Is the almond tree hardy? These varieties can be overwintered

Of the Almond tree enchants in spring with an attractive display of flowers and then forms its delicious almonds. However, there are different varieties on offer, some of which are very sensitive to the freezing temperatures common in this country in winter. In contrast, certain varieties are significantly more resistant to the cold, and some are even extremely hardy. That is why the hobby gardener should get a good overview before planting and choose the right variety for the local conditions.

care

In order to improve the winter hardiness, various maintenance measures can be taken when Almond tree make. Newly planted fruit trees have to be watered abundantly throughout the summer months so that they can survive the first winter. When the almond tree is well planted and rooted, it only needs additional watering water when it is extremely dry. In addition, a young almond tree needs a lot of nutrients for good growth and abundant flowering and harvest. Before the winter break, the wood should be fertilized evenly over a longer period of time.

• Plant as early as possible
• Maintain a planting distance of 10-12 m to other trees
• Pay attention to nutrient-rich garden soil
• Use slow release fertilizer
• keep it sufficiently moist initially
• sunny location, but protect from too early and excessive heat

Location

Almond trees have their origin in southern Europe, which is why many of the conventional varieties are not or only partially winter hardy. Especially in the first years of life, young almond trees still have to struggle in their native areas at the beginning, as the climatic conditions can be very challenging. However, over time, hardy varieties have been cultivated through conscious selection that can even survive very harsh winters. In addition, certain factors can be taken into account when selecting the location so that the winter hardiness of the tree is improved. If the almond tree feels comfortable in its location, it will flourish splendidly and bloom abundantly in spring.

• prefers sunny to partially shaded locations
• warm and protected locations are ideal
• ideal location conditions prevail in wine-growing areas
• mild climatic conditions dominate there
• young almond trees are sensitive to intense heat
• Extremely draughty locations are also not tolerated
• Fits well in sheltered front gardens and next to terraces
• A house wall, wall or pergola facing southwest is perfect

Note: The soil should always be permeable. Clay soils that are too heavy reduce winter hardiness, so sand and humus should be incorporated when planting.

Overwinter

When planting small almond trees, the first cold winters should be spent in suitable winter quarters. Therefore, the almond tree should first be grown in a bucket until it has reached a sufficient size and resistance. After that, the tree can get its final location in the garden and overwinter outdoors without any restrictions. The almond tree absolutely needs a rest period during the winter months for the blossoms to develop. During this time, all leaves are shed and there is a vegetation break, during which the plant needs temperature values ​​of below 10 ° C for weeks.

• always pay attention to a protected location
• First hibernate almond trees for 3-4 cold seasons inside
• Pay attention to suitable winter quarters
• Frost-free winter gardens and garages are ideal
• alternatively overwinter in unheated attics or airy basements
• can also overwinter in the dark due to the fallen leaves
• Protect with fleece in exposed locations and late frost
• late frosts do not lead to the complete death of the tree
• in very harsh winters, lay out brushwood or bark mulch

Tip: If the almond tree is placed in a location that is too warm after the leaves have been shed, it will sprout again immediately. For this reason, houses and apartments are not suitable places for winter quarters.

Winter hardy varieties

The almond belongs to the rose family and forms beautiful flowers that vary in color from white to pink-red. The flowers open before the leaves develop and are therefore sensitive to late frosts. Only varieties should be planted that have already proven to be sufficiently hardy in Central Europe. Not everyone lives in wine-growing areas with a mild climate, but there is also the right almond tree for higher elevations. Breeding has resulted in special varieties for cooler climates that can withstand the extremely bad weather conditions in winter. The deciduous wood is an ornament for a rather larger garden. Almond trees are characterized by an upright growth habit and broad crown.

• hardy varieties tolerate temperatures down to -20 ° C
• can withstand longer dry periods in summer
• Flowers and buds are endangered by late frost
• cannot cope with changing temperatures from minus to plus degrees
• needs warmth in spring to develop fruits
• direct sunshine in the morning is unfavorable in winter and spring
• Protect from too much sun with reed mats

Princesse Amanda

Princesse Amanda is an easy-care almond tree that likes to stand in a sunny spot. For a long time, the variety was not considered to be winter hardy, but it also tolerates lower-lying minus temperatures without any problems. We recommend pruning annually after the flowering period so that the wood retains its beautiful shape.

• self-fertile almond
• hardy down to -15º C
• forms white-pink and double flowers
• Flowering period from mid-March to early April
• Growth goes up to 4 m high and up to 2 m wide
• ready for harvest in September
• Fruits have peel that is easy to crack
• with a subtle taste of pistachios
• deciduous foliage

Rosella

The Rosella variety is an undemanding almond tree which, with the right choice of location and good care, can survive the local winters without any problems.

• sufficiently hardy
• Easy to care for and not susceptible to diseases
• light pink and semi-double flowers
• small fruit with good taste
• The ripening period begins at the end of September
• medium strong growth

Dürkheimer Krachmandel

With the Dürkheimer Krachmandel, the gardener can look forward to a high harvest yield. As it ages, the tree acquires a beautifully spreading crown with interesting branching. Although this type of almond is very hardy, in extremely high and cold regions it can happen that the flowers freeze to death if frosts set in late. This eliminates the basis for the formation of the fruits. That is why the almond tree needs additional protection in this transition period from winter to spring. The Dürkheimer Krachmandel can be grown on almond, peach and plum rootstocks. In autumn the leaves turn a bright yellow until they fall off at the beginning of winter.

• Flowering time is in March
• white and fragrant flowers, sometimes shining reddish
• sweet and soft-skinned fruits
• Harvest time is from the end of September to mid-October
• final height is 3-4 m
• needs a sunny location
• deciduous foliage

Lauranne

The sweet almond variety Lauranne is quite resilient and is also suitable for regions with a harder winter. In addition, the plant is self-fertile, which increases the chances of a rich almond harvest.

• robust against monilia infestation
• very frost hardy, also suitable for high altitudes
• Cold tolerated down to -15 ° C
• slowly but steadily growing
• Depending on the location, it reaches heights of 2-7 m
• forms white flowers from March to April
• light green foliage, forms deep tap roots
• low water requirement
• Harvest time possible from September
• hairy and rough peel

Robijn

The Robijn variety is the result of a cross between almond and peach. In addition to an unusual flower color, the almond tree has a less hard shell than conventional varieties. The fruit is therefore easy to crack, easy to process or use as a snack between meals. As soon as the green fruit shells open on the nutshell, they are ripe for consumption. For harvesting, either shake the almond tree or beat the fruit from the tree with sticks.

• Cold-compatible wood down to -20 ° C
• produces bright pink flowers in March
• white-fleshed sweet almond
• Fruits are ripe from mid-August / early September
• particularly soft shell with aromatic almond kernel
• little susceptible to disease
• self-fertile