Pistachios are mainly imported into Germany from Turkey and the USA. In the country itself, it is difficult to cultivate pistachio trees in open ground and harvest pistachios. In nature, the trees grow in very dry and hot desert areas.

Problems with fresh seed

Even sowing a pistachio tree is difficult. The commercially available kernels are mostly treated and not fresh enough. Pistachio seeds only germinate when they are fresh.

If you want to plant a pistachio tree in Germany, you either have to get the seeds from a mail order company for exotic seeds or bring them with you from your holiday.

If you are lucky enough to find pistachio trees nearby, you can take cuttings. To be on the safe side, you should use cuttings from multiple trees to obtain male and female plants.

Pistachio trees need a lot of warmth

The biggest problem with pistachio cultivation is the climatic conditions. Almost nowhere in Germany is it consistently warm and dry as in the countries of origin.

Pistachios do not tolerate low temperatures for long periods of time. They are therefore difficult to cultivate outdoors. Older plants in a favorable location will survive cool winters with frost protection.

Growing a pistachio tree in a greenhouse

In the greenhouse, the climatic conditions for rearing can be met more easily. There, however, the trees remain rather small at one to three meters.

In nature, pistachio trees reach a height of up to 25 meters. They can live up to 300 years.

Plant a pistachio tree in Germany

If you still want to try planting one or more pistachio trees, look for a sheltered spot.

  • Very sunny location
  • Wind-protected location
  • Not too nutritious soil
  • Well-drained soil without waterlogging

Harvest pistachios from your own tree

If the tree is raised successfully, you need a little patience. It takes at least three years before you can harvest the first pistachios. The drupes need several months after flowering until they are ready to be harvested.

tips and tricks

If you want to harvest pistachios, you need at least one female and one male plant. Pollination is done by the wind. If you keep them in a greenhouse, you can try pollinating the flowers with a brush.

Category:

Vegetable garden