ALMOND
- Ne-Plus Ultra is an edible almond that is
planted as a pollinator for "Nonpareil," which is generally
considered the best all-around almond variety. For nut production,
two trees are usually required for pollination, although some
varieties ("Garden Prince" for example) are self-pollinating.
- Almonds grow in the same range as do peaches, but bloom earlier.
This makes them susceptible to crop failure due to early frosts.
Flowers are showy, 1-2 inches, white or light pink.
- Almonds require good drainage to prevent root rot, but other
than that are not particular about soil type. Require slightly
less water than other deciduous fruit trees, but irrigate deeply
and thoroughly, as roots can go six feet or more. Require high
heat and low humidity for best crops.
- Grows 20 to 30 feet.
- Trees commonly called "flowering almonds" are actually
Prunus species, including Prunus glandulosa and P. triloba.