AlmondPrunus dulcis

Almond

Almonds

1. Prunus amygdalus
2. Amygdalus communis
3. Amygdalus dulcis

1. Almond tree
2. Sweet almond

1. Almond tree

1. Soft-shell almond

1. NameMandel

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Tonsille

   Clarification

   Refers here to the plant or nut, not the tonsil.

1. Almond
2. Prunus dulcis
3. Almond tree

1. Tracheophyta
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Rose family

1. Prunus persica
2. Prunus armeniaca
3. Prunus domestica

1. Seed
2. Kernel

The almond (Prunus dulcis) is a symbol of spring and one of the most valuable nut-bearing trees for mild climates. Its pale pink blossoms in late winter are not only a visual delight but also a vital early food source for pollinators. Successful cultivation in Central Europe requires sheltered locations and the selection of late-blooming or frost-resistant varieties.

1. Taskfrost_protection

   Label

   Blossom frost protection

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4

   Conditionlate_frost_risk

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Almonds bloom very early and are at risk from late frosts.

1. Tasktrunk_care

   Label

   Trunk care

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12

   Conditionsunny_winter_days

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Whitewashing prevents tension cracks in the bark.

Full sun

Protected, especially from east winds

Viticultural climate, warm south-facing wall

Light to medium-heavy, well-draining

Calciphile

Moderate, rare after establishment

Tolerates calcareous tap water well

Compost application in spring, potassium emphasis in August if needed

Pay attention to self-fertility of the variety or plan for a pollinator.

As almonds are long-lived woody plants, annual crop rotation is irrelevant. It is important to observe breaks before replanting Rosaceae in the same spot (soil sickness).

1. Aphids
2. Spider mites
3. Scale insects

1. Fungal diseases (Monilia, leaf curl)
2. Bacterial canker

1. Airy pruning for quick drying of the foliage.
2. Strengthening with horsetail extract.
3. Whitewashing against frost cracks.

When leaf changes occur, check the underside of the leaves for pests before assuming a fungal disease.

1. Slugmonilinia-laxa

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Damp weather during bloom

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Shoot tips

   Prevention

   1. Prune infected shoots back into healthy wood
   2. Choose resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Treatment with rock dust or plant strengtheners

1. Symptom

   Dieback after flowering

   Possible causes

   1. monilinia-laxa

   First checks

   1. Are there gumosis spots on the wood?
   2. Was it wet and cold during flowering?

1. Bud swelling in late winter
2. Flowering (February/March)
3. Fruit set and leaf development
4. Kernel hardening in early summer
5. Hull ripening (August/September)
6. Leaf drop in late autumn

Almonds are among the earliest blooming fruit trees; flowers often appear before the leaves.

White to pale pink

Single, five-petaled

2–15 kg per tree depending on age and location.

Once per season, occurring in stages depending on the ripeness of individual branches.

1. Green hulls split open
2. Hulls dry out and turn brown
3. Kernels separate easily from the hull

Remove hulls immediately; allow almonds to cure and dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.

Cool, dry, and dark; preferably in nets or crates.

Dry storage (nuts)

In-shell up to 12 months; shelled approx. 3–6 months.

1. Drying
2. Roasting
3. Grinding (almond flour)
4. Pickling
5. Almond milk production

Direct consumption and baking ingredient.

Extraction of almond oil for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Mild nutty aroma, versatile for use in both sweet and savory dishes.

1. Marzipan
2. Almond cake
3. Candied almonds
4. Trout Meunière (with almond slivers)

1. Seed kernel

1. Fruit hull
2. Hard inner shell (endocarp)
3. Bitter almonds (high amygdalin content)

Sweet almonds are safe. Bitter almonds (often on wild forms) contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide and is toxic when raw.

Sweet almonds can be eaten raw; bitter almonds must be heated thoroughly or avoided.

1. Sowing fully ripe, unroasted kernels in autumn
2. Cold treatment (stratification) strictly required

Seed-grown trees are not true-to-type; grafting is necessary for specific varieties.

Kernels require 2–3 months of moist-cold storage (approx. 1–5°C) to trigger germination.

1. Open Vase
2. Modified Central Leader
3. Espalier

Almond trees are relatively short-lived (20-30 years) compared to apples or pears, but can be very productive in suitable climates. Their early flowering makes them susceptible to late frosts.

Important early forage plant for wild bees and bumblebees.

Flowering time and protection from late frost.

Harvest time and winter preparation.