Almond Tree (Prunus dulcis)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Requires good air circulation and protection from late frosts

Bloom Time:

• Early spring (blooms before leaves emerge)
• Susceptible to frost damage during bloom

Size:

Height: 10 to 25 feet

Width: 10 to 20 feet

Attributes:

• Produces tan, fuzzy fruits containing edible almond seeds
• Fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring
• Self-incompatible—requires a compatible pollinator variety nearby (unless self-fertile cultivar)
• Hardy in USDA Zones 7–9 (some varieties down to Zone 5 with protection)
• Related to peaches, plums, and cherries (Rosaceae family)
• Can yield 50–65 pounds of nuts per tree under ideal conditions

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-draining, loamy soil (avoid heavy clay)
• Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead or diseased wood
• Thin fruit if needed to prevent limb breakage

Pest Watch:

• Monitor for mites, scale, ants, and fungal diseases like verticillium wilt, shot hole, and leaf curl
• Use dormant oil sprays and proper sanitation to reduce pest pressure
• Protect young trees from frost and rodents