Almond

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Almond

Latin name

Prunus amygdalus (Amygdalus communis)

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

western part of Asia and China

Crop classification

shell fruit

Growing shape

quarter stem, half stem

Spacing

5 x 5 to 8 x 8 m

Soil type

lighter, more permeable, sandy, loamy-sandy soils

Soil pH

neutral to slightly alkaline

lightbulb

Interesting

Almonds have one of the highest protein contents among nuts, up to 21g/100g.

accessibility

Usage

the kernel is used for consumption

Suitable growing locations 

Almonds require warm and bright habitats, similar to peaches. It also tolerates a higher CaCO3 content in the soil, up to 12-15%, but has an increased sensitivity to frost and moniliosis. 

Growing technology

After planting, they have rapid growth and development. The formation of shoots takes place in several growth waves at a young age. A cut during vegetation is recommended. The most frequently cultivated form is a quarter-trunk, or a half-trunk with a median with 4 to 6 skeletal branches in an inconspicuous layer spirally distributed along the median. It is also possible to choose a hollow shape, in which the procedure is similar to that of a hollow peach crown, but it is necessary to pinch less. Planting clip: 5 x 5 to 8 x 8 m. Planting material: a tree with a planted crown. 

Suitable rootstocks

Mostly selected almond seedlings are used. 

Suitable varieties 

Vama, Zora, and Hana varieties are available from Slovak varieties. Nonpareil, California and Mission varieties are grown the most abroad.

Diseases and pests 

diseases: gray rot, powdery mildew, late blight, brown rot, anthracnose 

pests: aphids