Almond trees are highly prized for their delicious nuts, which are enjoyed all around the world. There are many different cultivars of almond trees, each with its own unique characteristics and requirements. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at four popular almond cultivars: Peerless, Texas Mission, Non Pareil, and Alfahem. We'll also discuss the need for a companion tree to cross-pollinate, as well as best practices for pruning, thinning, and heading.
Non Self-Pollinating
It's important to note that most almond trees are not self-pollinating, which means that they require a companion tree of a different cultivar in order to produce nuts. This is because the male and female reproductive structures of each almond flower are not present in the same flower. Without cross-pollination, almond trees may produce few or no nuts at all.
The Peerless almond tree is a popular cultivar that produces medium-sized nuts with a sweet, rich flavor. This tree is known for its high yield, and it's also relatively disease-resistant. However, it does require a companion tree for cross-pollination. It's important to choose a companion tree with a similar bloom time to ensure that the two trees will pollinate each other effectively.
The Texas Mission almond tree is another popular cultivar that produces nuts with a distinct, bittersweet flavor. This tree is relatively self-sufficient, and it can produce nuts without a companion tree in some cases. However, it's still recommended to plant a companion tree to ensure a more reliable crop. This tree is known for its high yield and its ability to adapt to a wide range of soil conditions.
The Non Pareil almond tree is one of the most widely grown cultivars in the world. This tree produces large, smooth nuts with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. However, it's also one of the most challenging cultivars to grow, as it requires a great deal of care and attention. The Non Pareil almond tree is highly susceptible to disease, and it requires regular pruning and thinning to ensure a healthy crop.
The Alfahem almond tree is a relatively new cultivar that produces large, flavorful nuts with a slightly bitter taste. This tree is known for its high yield and its adaptability to a wide range of climates. However, like other almond trees, it requires a companion tree for cross-pollination. It's important to choose a companion tree with a similar bloom time to ensure effective pollination.
Pruning, Thinning, and Heading
In addition to cross-pollination, almond trees require regular pruning, thinning, and heading to ensure a healthy, productive crop. Pruning involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are growing too close together. Thinning involves removing excess nuts to ensure that the remaining nuts have enough room to grow and develop properly. Heading involves cutting back the tips of the branches to encourage the growth of new shoots.
In conclusion, almond trees are a fascinating and rewarding crop to grow, but they do require careful attention and planning. By selecting the right cultivars and companion trees, as well as following best practices for pruning, thinning, and heading, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious almonds.
For further information or advice, stop in at BuyGrow Seedlings at Elephant Walk in Colleen Glen, Port Elizabeth or order online and get delivery. www.BuyGrow.co.za