Pistachio trees are relatively easy to plant. As residents of hot regions, they hardly require any care. Since the trees are not hardy, keeping them in a container is more suitable. Pistachios can only be grown outdoors in Germany in very mild locations.
How to successfully plant and harvest pistachio trees?
To plant pistachios successfully, you should half-cover fresh, untreated seeds in cactus soil and keep them moist. Pistachio trees prefer a warm location and are partially hardy. Harvesting takes place every two years and requires male and female plants for fertilization.
Grow pistachios outdoors or as a container plant?
Pistachio trees come from very warm regions, grow up to 25 meters high and are only partially hardy. It is therefore better to grow the trees in a bucket on the terrace or in the winter garden.
How are pistachios sown?
- Water fresh pistachio nuts
- Fill pot with cactus soil
- Push the swollen seeds halfway into the soil
- Keep soil moist
- Provide humidity
Pistachio seeds should be watered several days before sowing. They then sprout more quickly.
So that they germinate well, the seeds should only be half covered with soil.
What soil do pistachios need?
Pistachio trees are undemanding and grow even on poor soil. They thrive very well in cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon). Garden soil mixed with sand is also suitable.
Which location is preferred?
Pistachios like it very warm. When planting outdoors, choose a dry, sunny location. Place potted plants on a south-facing terrace in summer.
How are pistachios harvested?
Pistachio trees only bear fruit every two years. To harvest pistachios, you need a male and a female plant because pistachios are not self-pollinating. Fertilization occurs outdoors via the wind.
The first pistachios grow after three to four years. They are ripe when the solid shell has turned brown. She jumps up and releases the green core.
Are pistachios hardy?
In mild locations, pistachio trees are somewhat hardy, provided the temperatures do not fall below minus ten degrees. Winter protection outdoors is advisable.
Place potted plants indoors at ten degrees over the winter.
How are pistachios propagated?
Propagation usually occurs through seeds. You can also try taking cuttings. However, this doesn't always work.
Tips & Tricks
Pistachio seeds must be completely fresh and untreated if they are to germinate. Therefore, get seeds from a specialist nursery or bring them with you from your holiday in Turkey.
