Almond tree
Prunus dulcis
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Prunus dulcis (syn. P. amygdalus), a Rosaceae from western Asia, grown and often naturalised in the South of France. Its white or pinkish flowering, spectacular but very early (from February), exposes it to late frosts, which limits its cultivation outside the South. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb” (Coste's flora, under the name Amygdalus communis; Baseflor); Plants For A Future, “Prunus dulcis”.
Full sun, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, even poor or chalky; dislikes excess water
Low once established, very drought-resistant
Hardy tree (~-15 °C), but very early blossom sensitive to frosts
Overwinters in your zone
Most often self-sterile: provide two compatible varieties flowering at the same time (a few self-fertile varieties exist, such as 'Lauranne')
Needs two varieties that pollinate each other (unless self-fertile)
Role in permaculture
The first fruit tree to flower, from February-March: its flowering offers an EARLY nectar and pollen resource, precious for bees coming out of winter. A frugal Mediterranean tree, resistant to heat and drought, it stands as a resilience crop for gardens that the climate is warming.
Good companions
Poor companions
Hosts of the same soil-borne disease: don't plant one after the other
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Almonds gathered in late summer and autumn, in September and October.
Available: September, October.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Prunus dulcis » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+dulcis)
- Jardiner Malin, « Amandier : floraison précoce, fruits savoureux et gestes clés pour réussir » (jardiner-malin.fr/fiche/amandier-taille-plantation.html)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Imperatively distinguish the SWEET almond (edible) from the BITTER almond: the latter, toxic especially for children (ANSES), contains amygdalin, which releases hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) on digestion, and a few bitter almonds are enough to poison. Only eat sweet-almond varieties; at the slightest doubt, abstain. A major allergen (tree nuts). Sources: EFSA (2019), “Evaluation of the health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in foods other than raw apricot kernels”, EFSA Journal 17(4):5662; Tela Botanica, “Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb” (Coste's flora, under the name Amygdalus communis).
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, even poor or chalky; dislikes excess water.
- • Classic companion: Comfrey.
- • Keep away from: Nightshades (Verticillium wilt).