Almond Trees For Sale

Best Almond Trees In NZ!

Growing almonds in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste.
• Lower grocery costs.
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Almond nuts are a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
• Almond trees have attractive foliage.
• They produce beautiful white flowers in spring.
• Almond trees can provide shade.
• Almond trees can be used to create a windbreak.
• They can be used to create a privacy screen, which can help to block out unwanted views.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From large almond trees to small ones, we’ll help you find the right sized Almond tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy an Almond tree, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Almond Tree Questions

1. Where can I grow almonds in NZ?

Growing almonds in New Zealand is still in its early stages, but there are some areas where they are doing well, and this suggests they will do well across most of NZ.

• Hawke's Bay: This region is considered the most promising for almond production in New Zealand due to its warm, dry summers and cool, dry winters. Several successful almond orchards are already established there.
• Nelson: This region also has the potential for almond production, with similar climatic conditions to Hawke's Bay.
• Canterbury: Some parts of Canterbury, particularly the drier inland areas have proven successful for almonds.
• Otago: Certain pockets of Otago, especially those with warmer microclimates can support almond trees.

2. How long does it take for an almond tree to grow in NZ?

Almond trees are relatively fast-growing. They can reach a height of 10-15 metres within 10 years.

3. What care does an almond tree need?

Almond trees are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to ensure they thrive:

• Water: Almond trees need regular watering, especially when they are young. Once established, they can tolerate dry periods but will still benefit from regular watering.
• Fertiliser: Feed almond trees in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Almond trees can be pruned to shape and maintain size. Prune in late winter and apply pruning paint to the cut surfaces.
• Staking and shelter: A sturdy stake will ensure the tree isn’t blown over and grows with a nice form. Shelter from wind is key to avoid the flowers being blown from the tree and will aid pollination.
• Mulching: apply bark chips around the base of the tree to supress weeds and help retain moisture.
• Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for anything that can be causing the trees to look unusual. Small trees can be sprayed, though this becomes more challenging at the trees get bigger.

4. Do almond trees grow in NZ?

Almond trees can be grown in New Zealand. Choose a sunny spot that is shelterd and with a well-drained soil. Almond trees typically produce nuts within 3-5 years of planting. The nuts are harvested in autumn and can be eaten fresh, roasted, or used in baking and cooking.

5. What is the best almond variety to grow?

The best almond tree to grow in New Zealand depends on your climate. However, as a general guide, Almond ‘All-in-One’ is the best option. This is a self-fertile variety of almond that is a good choice for home gardens and can be grown in almost all regions.

6. Are almond tree fruit edible?

The fruit of almond trees is edible. The edible part of the fruit is the inner seed, which is commonly referred to as the almond nut. The fleshy part of the almond fruit is also edible, but it is not commonly eaten as it is somewhat sour, though eaten fresh, pickled, or cooked.

Almond nuts are a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamin E and magnesium. Almond nuts can be eaten fresh, roasted, or used in baking and cooking.

It is important to note that bitter almonds are poisonous and should not be eaten. Bitter almonds contain a compound called amygdalin, which can be converted to cyanide in the body. Bitter almonds are often used to make almond oil and almond extract, but these products are safe to consume because the amygdalin is removed during the processing process.

If you are unsure whether an almond tree is producing sweet or bitter almonds, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat the fruit.

7. What are bitter almonds?

Bitter almonds are a variety of almond that contains a naturally occurring toxin called amygdalin. Amygdalin is broken down by the body into hydrogen cyanide, which is a poisonous compound. For this reason, bitter almonds are not safe to eat raw. In fact, consuming just a handful of raw bitter almonds can be fatal.

8. What is the latin name for bitter almonds?

The Latin name for bitter almonds is Prunus amygdalus. However, there are variety names for bitter almonds also:

• Prunus dulcis var. amara: This is the most common Latin name for the bitter almond variety.
• Prunus communis var. amara: This is an older, less common Latin name for the bitter almond variety.

Both names are technically correct, but Prunus dulcis var. amara is the more widely accepted and used term.

9. Is growing almonds easy?

Whether or not growing almonds is easy depends on your climate, experience level, and level of commitment. Here's a few key points:

Some easier aspects of growing almonds:

• Tolerant of dry conditions: Almond trees are native to dry climates and can tolerate periods of drought.
• Relatively low maintenance: Once established, almond trees require minimal care compared to other fruit trees.
• Long lifespan: Almond trees can live for 50-100 years with proper care.

Challenges of growing almonds:

• Climate requirements: Almond trees require full sun and a long, warm growing season. Late frost in spring can take out flowers and the resultant crop.
• Pollination requirements: Most almond varieties need cross-pollination from another almond tree for fruit production. This means you'll need to plant two different varieties of almond trees within close proximity.
• Susceptible to pests and diseases: Almond trees can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as aphids, leafrollers, and fungal diseases. Regular monitoring and treatment may be necessary.
• Slow to mature: Almond trees can take 3-5 years to start bearing nuts, and it may take several years before they reach full production.
• Requires specific soil conditions: Almond trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH.

10. How big does ‘All-In-One’ Almond tree grow?

The All-In-One almond tree grows to a mature height of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 metres). This makes it a relatively compact variety, compared to other varieties which can reach 30-40 feet (9-12 metres) tall. The mature wide is generally about 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 metres). NB: the size can be controlled with pruning as required.

11. What is the lifespan of an almond tree?

The lifespan of an almond tree can vary depending on several factors:

• Species and variety: Different species and varieties of almond trees have different lifespans. For example, the All-In-One almond tree typically lives for 25-30 years, while other almond varieties can live for 50-100 years.
• Care and maintenance: With proper care and maintenance, including regular watering, fertilizer, and pest and disease control, an almond tree can live longer.
• Growing conditions: The lifespan of an almond tree can also be affected by the growing conditions, such as climate, soil quality, and sunlight exposure.

12. Do almond trees lose their leaves in winter?

Almond trees lose their leaves in winter. This deciduous trait is a natural part of their annual cycle and helps them survive the cold weather.

13. What is the myth of the almond tree?

There are several myths and legends associated with the almond tree, each with its own unique story and symbolism. Here are a few of the most well-known:

Greek Myth:

• Phyllis and Demophon: This tragic love story tells of Phyllis, a Thracian princess who falls in love with Demophon, a Greek hero. Demophon promises to return after a sailing journey, but he is delayed and eventually forgets about Phyllis. Devastated by his betrayal, Phyllis kills herself and is transformed into an almond tree. When Demophon finally returns and sees the tree in bloom, he realizes his mistake and embraces the trunk, causing the tree to burst into full bloom. This myth symbolizes undying love and hope, even in the face of death.

Roman Myth:

• Agdistis and Attis: In this myth, Agdistis is a god/goddess of Phrygia who possesses both male and female organs. Agdistis falls in love with Attis, a young shepherd, but their relationship is cursed by the gods. Attis eventually goes mad and castrates himself under the shade of an almond tree. The myth explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of nature.

Portuguese Legend:

• The Almond Blossoms of Silves: This story tells of a Moorish prince named Ibn-Almundim who falls in love with a Nordic princess named Gilda. Gilda misses the snow of her homeland, so the prince orders the planting of vast fields of almond trees around their palace. When the trees bloom, their white petals create the illusion of snow, bringing joy to the princess' heart. This legend celebrates love, sacrifice, and the beauty of nature.

Additionally, the almond tree is often associated with the following:

• Rebirth and renewal: The early blooming of the almond tree, often in the midst of winter, symbolizes the promise of new life and the return of spring.
• Fertility and abundance: The almond tree's abundance of nuts represents fertility and prosperity.
• Wisdom and knowledge: In some cultures, the almond tree is associated with wisdom and knowledge due to its long lifespan and gnarled branches.

The myth and symbolism of the almond tree vary across cultures and regions, but they all share a common thread of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of nature.

14. Why do they shake almond trees?

Almond trees are shaken for a specific reason during harvest: to dislodge the mature nuts from the branches. This process is essential for gathering the almonds efficiently and ensuring a successful harvest.