Two top areas have been established around the world. Almond growers are enjoying bountiful harvests in California and Spain. A few secrets provide clues to the sweet success story.
What does successful almond farming look like in California and Spain?
When growing almonds, strong irrigation, regular pruning and peach wood grafting ensure success. California and Spain are the main growing areas, with the yield being generous from the fourth year onwards and various varieties such as Nonpareil, Mission, Largueta, Marcona and Valencia being cultivated.
For guaranteed success, almond trees are often grafted onto peach wood. This means they benefit from a rapidly growing and constantly watering base. From this moment on, the trees now have a 20 to 25 year future in the same location. They are then cleared. A new generation of almond cultivation will follow immediately afterwards.
Lush cultivation from the fourth year
1. Year
Consistently strong irrigation plays a special role in the first few months on the way to effective almond cultivation.
2. Year
During this time, the almond tree is cut for the first time after flowering. For this purpose, three strong main branches are defined. The remaining branches are not needed for cultivation.
3. Year
This year is the first time the almond tree has been used to produce almonds. However, these are not yet harvested. Almond cultivation benefits from a magnificent harvest from the fourth year onwards.
California almonds: varied quality products
The main almond growing area is in the Central Valley. Around 6,000 almond farmers harvest three different types of almonds every year, including:
- California
- Nonpareil
- Mission
When growing almonds, the species are classified based on their shell hardness. Further information is needed for constant industrial processing. For example, it is of interest how well almonds can be blanched.
Almond enjoyment from the heart of Spain
Almonds thrive beautifully in Europe under the Spanish sun. They are grown everywhere from Málaga to Tarragona. Almond cultivation enjoys a sizeable harvest of 30,000 tons annually. In total, over 100 different varieties are cultivated in Spanish regions. Only five different ones are exported:
- Comunas
- Largueta
- Mallorca
- Marcona
- Planeta
- Valencia
Tips & Tricks
European almonds differ from their American relatives in that they have a harder shell. Spanish varieties are characterized by a harder skin. It is also not very porous.
