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How to Grow and Care for Almond Trees

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 2, 2024

The benefit of having an almond tree is that you enjoy fresh almonds straight from the tree. Growing almonds is easier than you might think. Following this guide, you can easily grow an almond tree in your backyard.

Tools and Materials

Materials

Types of Almond Trees

To start growing an almond tree, you will need to know which type of almond you want to grow and harvest later. Here are a few popular kinds of almonds.

All-In-One Almond

The All-In-One Almond is a self-fertile tree, meaning it doesn’t need another tree for pollination. It typically grows 12 to 15 feet tall. This almond variety blooms late in the season, helping it withstand spring frosts better than others. It thrives well in USDA zones 6 to 9. The fruit has a firm and crispy texture with a sweet taste.

Garden Prince

The Garden Prince is a self-fertile tree that only grows about 6 to 8 feet tall, making it perfect for smaller gardens. Its large pink flowers in spring add beauty to your space. They grow well in USDA zones 6 to 10. They have a sweet taste. 

Titan

Titan is a hardy almond variety that blooms late. It requires another late-blooming tree for pollination and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It thrives well in USDA zones 5 to 9. They taste sweet and have a thin, well-sealed shell.

Seaside

The Seaside almond tree blooms late and ripens early, reaching about 14 feet tall. While it is partially self-fertile, planting it with a different variety will yield better results. It thrives well in USDA zones 5 to 9. It tastes sweet.

Nikita’s Pride

Nikita’s Pride is a tough almond variety developed in Ukraine. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and is partially self-fertile. It thrives well in USDA zones 5 to 9. They have a soft shell and taste sweet and hence can be used for making a variety of sweets.

How to Grow Almond Trees

Planting almond trees can bring beauty to your garden and delicious fruits to enjoy. Here’s how to grow almond trees by following these steps.

How to Care for Almond Trees

Caring for almond trees is easy, especially when you know where almonds grow and ensure you provide them with the following essential factors.

Light

Almond trees require at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day.

Soil

Good soil is key for healthy almond trees. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and sandy soil is best. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soil. Before you plant, take the time to till the soil deeply—this helps the roots grow strong and deep.

Water

Almond trees require a good amount of water when the nuts are in the process of developing. Make sure to provide about 3 to 4 inches of water each week to keep the soil moist.

Caution

Be careful not to overwater, as that can lead to root rot, which you definitely want to avoid.

Temperature and Humidity

Almond trees have specific temperatures to really flourish. From November to January, they need at least 300 chilling hours in temperatures below 45°F. After this chilly period, they need a nice long stretch without frost since it takes seven to eight months for the nuts to mature. Be mindful that they’re sensitive to extreme cold, and a spring frost can damage their flowers.

Fertilizer

In spring, give your almond tree a boost with a balanced fertilizer. Spread it along the tree's drip line and follow the label instructions for how much to use.

How to Harvest Almond

Harvesting almonds can be simple. Follow the steps below.

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