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Originally from south west Asia, almonds grow successfully in orchards up to about 1500 metres. They were one of the original snack foods, as they were easily transported in pockets or knapsacks as travellers moved across continents on foot or mule-back. Sometimes they would be dropped accidentally and seedlings would develop from the kernels, introducing almonds into countries where they were not indigenous.
Almonds grow best in deep, reasonably fertilised, soil and are amazingly drought tolerant. However occasional deep watering will ensure larger nuts. Greenfly and blackfly are attracted to the luscious new spring growth but their mastications will disfigure the leaves, so spray with soapy water to destroy them. It is better to keep the branches short by regular winter pruning, before the buds start to swell.
Almond trees must be cross-pollinated, so grow more than one variety unless your neighbours also grow them. Feed with 20.0.0 fertiliser in February and May, and 20.10.10 in December, 900 gms for mature trees and 300 gms for young trees. Almonds contain practically no carbohydrates and can be eaten raw or toasted, or ground down for use in marzipan. They are high in mono-unsaturated fats, which are similar to those found in olive oil.
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