Almond trees are a beautiful blossoming tree that is easy to grow if you have the right weather conditions; it may not be for everybody to try, depending on your location. Ideally; frost-free winters and warm and dry summers. They should crop well in a sunny position. They can be fan-trained against a south-facing wall. Ensure you have a sweet variety and not a variety grown just for flowering.

Almond trees are best grown from bareroots that are dormant during winter to early spring or alternatively, pot grown trees at any time. Expect fruit in its second or third year. You may need to plant two trees to make pollination partners.

Dig a hole for planting to accommodate the bareroot in a sunny position and water in well. Remove any vegetation around the base and mulch up to retain moisture and supress the weeds. Unless it is a resistant variety, be aware of peach leaf curl.

Once the tree has flowered and set fruit, you can prune the tree and remove any damaged leaves and any dead shoots during winter that may be infected with Canker.

During August-September, if the weather has been warm and dry enough, the hulls will begin to split open. You might need to cut them open if the weather has not been ideal. Once approximately 3/4 of the hulls have split, it is a good time to pick and/shake the tree to catch them.

Store the kernels for them to dry out evenly and they can be stored in their kernels or shelled.

Almonds can be eaten raw or used in cooking. You might like to try our Orange and Almond Loaf Cake recipe.