Almonds for the casa

Almond trees have wonderful spring flowers.

Almonds come from a tree (Prunus dulcis) that loves hot, dry summer weather. The recommended variety for SE Arizona is the semi-dwarf All-In-One which self-pollinates and grows best in reasonably fast-draining soil. The large fruits look like clusters of small green peaches until late summer when the outer coat peels back to reveal the almond inside the fruit. The ‘All-In-One’ almond tree reaches 15 feet in height.

Green almond fruits.

The other almond trees that grow well in the desert are full-size, reaching 20 to 30 feet tall, and require two individuals to pollinate and produce nuts. If you select the ‘Nonpareil’ or the ‘Ne Plus Ultra’, they will pollinate each other. The ‘All-in-One’ will also pollinate both of these trees.

Ripe fruits yielding almonds.

Plant in full to part sun, with well-drained, amended soil. Feed regularly with a balanced, organic fertilizer, and mulch the roots. Almond trees are deciduous and spring-blooming before the leaves re-emerge. Many insects including bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects enjoy the flowers.

To harvest the almonds, place a tarp on the ground and shake the trees. Dry fallen nuts in the sun for a day or two until the nuts inside the shell rattle.