Two top areas have established themselves around the world. Almond cultivation enjoys a bountiful harvest in California and Spain. A few secrets give clues to the sweet success story.

For guaranteed success, almond trees are often grafted onto peach wood. They benefit from a rapidly growing and constantly irrigated base. From this moment on, the trees now have a 20 to 25 year future in the same location. After that they are cleared. A new generation for almond cultivation follows immediately.

Lush cultivation from the fourth year

1 year

On the way to effective almond cultivation, continuous strong irrigation plays a special role in the first few months.

2 years

During this time, the almond tree is pruned for the first time after flowering. Three strong main branches are defined for this. The remaining branches are not needed for cultivation.

3rd year

This year the almond tree is used for the first time to produce almonds. However, these are not yet harvested. Almond cultivation benefits from a magnificent harvest from the fourth year.

California Almonds: Varied quality products

The Central Valley is the main growing area for almonds. Around 6,000 almond farmers harvest three different types of almonds each year, including:

  • California
  • Non pareil
  • mission

When growing almonds, the species are classified based on the hardness of their shells. Further information is required for constant industrial processing. For example, it is of interest how well almonds can be blanched.

Almond pleasure from the heart of Spain

Almonds thrive in Europe under the Spanish sun. From Málaga to Tarragona they are grown everywhere. Almond cultivation enjoys a respectable harvest of 30,000 tons annually. In total, over 100 different varieties are cultivated in Spanish regions. Only five different ones are exported:

  • communes
  • Largueta
  • Majorca
  • Marcona
  • planeta
  • Valencia

tips and tricks

European almonds differ from their American relatives in that they have a harder shell. Spanish varieties are characterized by a harder skin. In addition, it is not very porous.

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Vegetable garden