What conditions are needed to grow almond trees?

SummaryOrchard establishment requirements: A wind-sheltered flat area should be chosen; it is not advisable to choose a windward area. The soil should be deep and well drained. Planting requirements: It should be done after temperatures rise in spring, or after leaf fall in autumn. The planting rate is about 35-50 trees per mu. Water and fertilizer requirements: Cultivate once a year, combined with topdressing; water at least about 3 times per year; drain promptly during the rainy season and weed regularly.

I. Site selection and orchard establishment

1. Almond trees have a relatively strong tolerance to poor soil and can grow normally in some poor soils, but the yield is not high.

2. Almonds should be planted in soil with strong permeability and relatively deep soil layers, which is conducive to rapid growth of almonds and thus increases yield. An almond orchard should be established on wind-sheltered flat land. Because it is relatively susceptible to damage from late frost, it is not advisable to establish the orchard in a windward area, otherwise the normal growth of almonds will be affected.

II. Seed selection and planting

Before planting, suitable varieties should be selected according to different regional climates, planting conditions and other aspects. Generally, almonds are planted in spring and autumn each year. In autumn, plant after leaf fall; after planting, be sure to do a good job of earthing up and keeping warm. In spring, planting can generally begin after temperatures rise.

Planting density can be determined according to soil fertility and the planting environment. It should not be too dense. Generally, the planting rate is about 35-50 trees per mu. Before planting, dig the planting holes, place the saplings into the planting holes, then cover with soil and firm it, and finally water thoroughly.

III. Managing water and fertilizer

1. After planting, almond trees will generally bear fruit around the fourth year, and enter the peak fruiting period in the sixth year. During cultivation, cultivation should be carried out once a year, which can be done together with topdressing, and regular weeding is also needed.

2. After planting, apply base fertilizer once a year to young trees, and once every 3 years to mature trees. The amount of fertilizer applied can be determined according to tree age; the older the tree, the greater the amount of fertilizer. Later, in order to meet the water needed for plant growth, water at least about 3 times per year, but do not overwater. Drain promptly during the rainy season, and water moderately before winter.

IV. Shaping and pruning

1. The branches of almonds grow relatively vigorously. In the year of planting, pruning should be carried out appropriately to moderately dwarf the almond tree and canopy, strengthen the framework, and allow the canopy to expand more, which helps improve permeability and thereby increase yield.

2. For young fruit trees, when their new shoots grow to about 55cm, pinching can begin to promote shoots, which helps increase the number of fruiting branches. Then, in order to increase permeability and prevent nutrient loss, all branches that are too dense, too long, pest-damaged, or excess can be pruned off.