Watering the almond tree

• Almond tree origin
• Almond tree care and location
• Pruning almond trees
  
• Fertilizing almond trees
• Watering the almond tree

Almond tree origin

The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). Its botanical name derives from the Latin word for "plum," *prunum*. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants and originally comes from the region between Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Almonds are mentioned as an ingredient in the bread of Egyptian pharaohs, and the Greeks believed the almond tree sprang from a drop of blood of the goddess Cybele. It spread widely throughout Europe with the Arabs and Romans, and arrived in California with Spanish Franciscan monks. In Christianity, the almond was a symbol of the Immaculate Conception. 

Today, the United States harvests approximately 57% of the world's traded almonds. Almond trees grow to a height of 2 to 9 meters and have an average lifespan of about 70 to 80 years, rarely reaching 150 years. Before the leaves emerge, the white to pale pink blossoms of the almond tree appear in March and April. They have five petals and are 3 to 4 cm across. The dark green, glossy leaves are stalked, oblong-lanceolate to ovate, 7 to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The edges are finely serrated to toothed. Almonds are harvested in autumn. The harvest begins with early varieties at the end of August and continues into November with later-ripening varieties. The fruits are 3 to 6 cm long, velvety, oblong to ovate, and flattened. Almonds are classified as either sweet or bitter. Aromatic substances are extracted from bitter almonds, but they are not suitable for consumption raw because they are toxic due to their high hydrocyanic acid content. 

Almond tree care and location

A warm, sunny, and sheltered location with well-drained, slightly calcareous soil is ideal for planting almond trees. They dislike waterlogged, overly acidic, or heavily compacted soils. To protect the early blossoms from frost damage, a location in a courtyard or against a wall is recommended. Planting is best done in spring or autumn. The graft union should be above the soil surface when planting to prevent rot at the base of the trunk and the development of suckers.

Pruning almond trees

Almond trees are harvested in autumn cut backThis ensures they remain vigorous and retain their beautiful crown. Inward-growing, crossing shoots and competing shoots growing close to and parallel to each other are removed. Dead wood is easily recognizable in spring after bud break and can also be removed. These pruning measures help prevent Monilia disease (blossom blight).

Fertilizing almond trees

A mulch layer of mature compost provides the tree with nutrients and protects the soil from drying out. Fertilize in spring with mature compost and horn shavings supplies the tree with important nutrients.

Watering the almond tree

The effects of climate change are noticeable in our regions. Rising temperatures and longer periods of drought put trees under stress. Depending on the specific location and the climate-related situation, more frequent damage may occur. Water more than in previous years. Low soil moisture inhibits growth and results in lower yields.

Like many nut-bearing trees, almond trees have high water requirements. As a general rule, young trees need 75 to 100 liters, and older trees 150 to 200 liters. Filling one watering bag provides young trees with sufficient water. For established trees, two to three watering bags can be zipped together for watering. Watering should be done once or twice a week, especially in spring and summer. To ensure consistent soil moisture, drip irrigation is recommended. tree bath watering bags Highly recommended. Two holes in the lower section release water to the tree over several hours. This allows the roots to absorb the water more effectively, preventing waterlogging and conserving water that wouldn't otherwise seep into the soil. Furthermore, the watering bag covers the soil surface, reducing water evaporation.

Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and straightforward. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped shut. The next step is to fill the bag with enough water so that, after further adjustment, no wrinkles remain in the bottom area, and then let it fill.