The almond tree enchants in spring with an attractive blossom splendor and then develops its delicious almonds. However, there are different varieties on offer, some of which are very sensitive to the minus temperatures that are common in this country in winter. On the other hand, certain varieties are much more resistant to the cold, some even extremely hardy. Therefore, the hobby gardener should get a good overview before planting and choose the right variety for the local site conditions.
maintenance
In order to improve the winter hardiness, various care measures can be carried out on the almond tree. Newly planted fruit trees must be watered abundantly throughout the summer months so that they survive the first winter well. If the almond tree has planted itself well and rooted, it only needs additional irrigation water in extreme drought. In addition, a young almond tree needs a lot of nutrients for good growth and a rich flowering and harvest. Before the winter break, the wood should be fertilized evenly over a longer period of time.
- plant as early as possible
- Maintain a planting distance of 10-12 m to other trees
- pay attention to nutrient-rich garden soil
- Use slow release fertilizer
- initially keep sufficiently moist
- sunny position, but protect from too early and strong heat
location
Almond trees have their origins in southern Europe, which is why many of the conventional varieties are not or only partially hardy. Especially in the first years of life, young almond trees have to struggle at home in the beginning because the climatic conditions can be very challenging. However, over time hardy varieties have been cultivated through conscious selection that can even survive quite harsh winters. In addition, certain factors can be included when selecting the location, so that the winter hardiness of the tree improves. If the almond tree feels comfortable in its location, it will thrive and produce lush flowers in spring.
- prefers sunny to semi-shady locations
- warm and sheltered locations are ideal
- ideal site conditions prevail in wine-growing regions
- mild climatic conditions dominate there
- young almond trees are sensitive to intense heat
- extremely draughty locations are also not tolerated
- fits well in wind-protected front gardens and next to terraces
- a southwest-facing house wall, wall or pergola is perfect
Notice: The soil should always be permeable. Loamy soils that are too heavy reduce winter hardiness, so sand and humus should be incorporated when planting.
hibernate
When planting small almond trees, the first cold winters should be spent in a suitable winter quarters. Therefore, the almond tree should first be grown in a bucket until it has reached a sufficient size and resistance. After that, the tree can get its final location in the garden and overwinter outdoors without restrictions. The almond tree needs a period of rest during the winter months for the flowers to develop. During this time, all leaves are shed and there is a vegetation break, during which the plant needs temperatures below 10° C for weeks.
- always pay attention to a protected location
- Almond trees hibernate indoors first 3-4 cold seasons
- pay attention to suitable winter quarters
- Frost-free conservatories and garages are ideal
- alternatively overwinter in unheated attics or airy basements
- can also overwinter in the dark due to the shedding of leaves
- Protect with fleece in exposed locations and late frost
- late frosts do not lead to the complete death of the tree
- lay out brushwood or bark mulch during very severe winters
Tip: If the almond tree is placed in a too warm location after the leaves have been dropped, it will immediately sprout again. For this reason, houses and apartments are not suitable places for winter quarters.
Hardy varieties
The almond belongs to the rose family and forms beautiful flowers that vary in color from white to pink-red. The flowers open before the leaves appear and are therefore sensitive to late frosts. Only varieties that have proven to be sufficiently hardy in Central Europe should be planted. Not everyone lives in wine-growing regions with a mild climate, but there is also the right almond tree for higher altitudes. Breeding has resulted in special varieties for cooler climate zones, which can also withstand the extremely bad weather conditions in winter. The deciduous wood is an ornament for a rather larger garden. Almond trees are characterized by an upright growth habit and a wide crown.
- hardy varieties tolerate temperatures down to -20° C
- can withstand longer periods of drought in summer
- Flowers and buds are endangered by late frost
- cannot cope with changing temperatures from minus to plus degrees
- needs warmth in spring to develop fruit
- direct sunshine in the morning is unfavorable in winter and spring
- protect from too much sun with reed mats
Princesse Amanda
Princesse Amanda is an easy-care almond tree that likes a sunny spot. For a long time, the variety was considered not hardy, but it also tolerates lower minus temperatures without any problems. An annual pruning after the flowering period is recommended so that the tree retains its beautiful shape.
- self-fertile almonds
- hardy down to -15º C
- forms white-pink and double flowers
- Flowering time from mid-March to early April
- Growth goes up to 4 m high and up to 2 m wide
- ready for harvest in September
- Fruits have easy-to-crack skins
- tastes slightly like pistachios
- deciduous foliage
Rosella
The Rosella variety is an undemanding almond tree that, if you choose the right location and take good care of it, will survive the local winters without any problems.
- sufficiently hardy
- easy-care and disease-resistant variety
- light pink and semi-double flower
- small fruit with good taste
- Ripening season begins at the end of September
- medium growth
Dürkheim cracked almonds
With the Dürkheim Krachalmond the gardener can look forward to a high harvest yield. With increasing age, the tree acquires a beautifully spreading crown with interesting branching. Although this almond variety is very hardy, in extremely high and cold regions it can happen that the blossoms freeze to death when frosts set in late. This eliminates the basis for the development of the fruit. Therefore, the almond tree needs extra protection in this transitional period from winter to spring. The Dürkheimer Krachalmond can be grown on almond, peach and plum rootstocks. In autumn the leaves turn a bright yellow until they fall off at the beginning of winter.
- Flowering time is in March
- white and fragrant flowers, sometimes shining reddish
- sweet and soft-skinned fruits
- Harvest time is late September to mid-October
- final growth height is 3-4 m
- needs a sunny location
- deciduous foliage
lauranne
The sweet almond variety Lauranne is quite hardy and is also suitable for regions with a harsher winter. In addition, the plant is self-fertile, which increases the chances of a bountiful almond harvest.
- robust against monilia infestation
- very frost hardy, also suitable for high altitudes
- Tolerant to cold down to -15° C
- slowly but steadily growing
- reaches heights of growth of 2-7 m, depending on the location
- produces white flowers from March to April
- light green foliage, forms deep taproots
- low water requirement
- Harvest time possible from September
- hairy and rough skin
Robijn
The Robijn variety is the result of crossing almonds with peach. In addition to an unusual flower color, the almond tree forms a less hard shell than conventional varieties. The fruit is therefore easy to crack, easy to process or use as a snack between meals. As soon as the green fruit shells open on the nutshell, they are ready to be eaten. To harvest, either shake the almond tree or knock the fruit off the tree with sticks.
- Cold-tolerant wood down to -20° C
- produces bright pink flowers in March
- white-fleshed sweet almond
- Fruits are ripe from mid-August/beginning of September
- particularly soft shell with an aromatic almond core
- little susceptible to disease
- self-fertile