High Quality Pistacia Trees For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Pistachio Trees

Growing colourful and fruiting trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Pistachio trees and the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and 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 Pistacia trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pistacia

1. Can pistachios grow in New Zealand?

Pistachios can grow in New Zealand and there are many already growing. However, pistachio production in New Zealand is relatively limited compared to major producing regions like the Mediterranean and California. This is due to several factors, including:

1. Climate: Pistachio trees prefer hot, dry summers and cool winters. New Zealand's climate, while generally mild, is not as consistently hot and dry as ideal pistachio-growing regions.
2. Pollination: Pistachio trees are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. In New Zealand, it can be challenging to establish and maintain a balanced orchard with the right ratio of male and female trees for optimal pollination.
3. Knowledge and Expertise: Pistachio cultivation is a relatively new industry in New Zealand, and there is still limited knowledge and expertise in growing and processing pistachios effectively.
4. Market and Economics: The pistachio market in New Zealand is relatively small, and the cost of establishing and maintaining pistachio orchards can be high, making it challenging to compete with imported pistachios from established producers.

Despite these challenges, there are efforts to expand pistachio production in New Zealand. Some growers and researchers are experimenting with different cultivars, irrigation techniques, and management practices to adapt pistachio cultivation to New Zealand's climate and conditions. Additionally, there is growing interest in locally grown pistachios among consumers, which could potentially support the expansion of the industry.

Overall, while pistachio production in New Zealand faces challenges, there is potential for growth and development of this industry. With continued research, innovation, and market support, New Zealand could become a producer of high-quality pistachios in the future.

2. What is the common name for Pistacia chinensis?

Pistacia chinensis is a small deciduous tree that is native to central and western China. It is also grown as an ornamental tree in temperate areas worldwide. The most common name for Pistacia chinensis is Chinese pistache. Other common names include:

• Chinese pistachio
• Green almond
• Mastic tree
• Pistachio

The name "Chinese pistache" is the most widely used and accurately reflects the tree's origin. The other names are also used, but they may not be as specific or accurate. For example, "Chinese pistachio" is a more specific name than "pistachio," as there are other species of Pistacia that are not native to China.

3. Does Chinese Pistache have invasive roots?

Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is not generally considered to be an invasive species in most regions where it is cultivated. While its roots can spread widely, they are not typically aggressive or damaging to infrastructure or native vegetation.

4. How messy is a Chinese pistache?

Chinese pistache trees (Pistacia chinensis) can be considered moderately messy, but their messiness is manageable with proper care. The main sources of mess from these trees are their leaves, flowers, and fruits.

• Leaves: Chinese pistache trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. The leaves can accumulate on the ground and sidewalks, creating some mess. However, this mess is typically easy to clean up with raking or blowing.
• Flowers: Chinese pistache trees produce small, greenish flowers in the spring. The flowers can drop to the ground and create some mess, but this is usually not a major problem.
• Fruits: Chinese pistache trees produce small, edible nuts in the fall. The nuts can fall to the ground and create some mess, but this can be minimized by picking up the nuts after they fall.

Overall, the messiness of Chinese pistache trees is not a major concern for most homeowners. With proper care, these trees can be enjoyed without creating too much mess.

5. Where is the best place to plant a Chinese pistache tree?

Chinese pistache trees (Pistacia chinensis) are hardy and adaptable trees that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions. However, they do have some specific requirements for optimal growth and health. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best place to plant a Chinese pistache tree:

• Climate: Chinese pistache trees prefer warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They can tolerate some cold, but they are not as cold-hardy as some other trees. In general, they are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
• Soil: Chinese pistache trees prefer deep, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. They can tolerate some clay or sandy soil, but they will not grow well in very wet or very dry soil.
• Space: Chinese pistache trees can grow to be 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, so they need plenty of space to grow. Avoid planting them too close to power lines, buildings, or other structures.
• Location: Chinese pistache trees are messy, so it is best to plant them away from patios, walkways, and pools. They also produce small, edible nuts that can attract pests, so it is best to plant them away from areas where you want to avoid pests.

6. Is a Chinese pistache a good tree?

Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a good tree for many reasons. Here are some of its benefits:

• Beautiful foliage: Chinese pistache trees have attractive, compound leaves that turn a brilliant red, orange, or yellow in the fall. This makes them a popular choice for ornamental trees.
• Adaptable: Trees are tolerant of a wide range of climates and soil conditions.
• Easy to care for: They are relatively low-maintenance trees. They do not require a lot of watering or feeding.
• Wildlife habitat: Chinese pistache trees provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife.
• Shade: Trees can provide a lot of shade, which can be helpful in hot climates.
• Edible nuts: Chinese pistache trees produce small, edible nuts that are similar to pistachios. However, the nuts are not as flavourful as pistachios from Pistacia vera trees.

7. How to harvest pistachio nuts

Harvesting pistachio nuts involves several steps to ensure the nuts are properly collected and processed for consumption. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to harvest pistachio nuts:

1. Timing: Determine the optimal harvest time by observing the nuts' color and texture. When the hulls turn from green to reddish-yellow and start to split open slightly, the nuts are ready for harvest. This typically occurs in late summer or early fall, depending on the climate and cultivar.
2. Shaking: Once the nuts are ready, shake the branches vigorously to dislodge the nuts. Use a mechanical shaker or a sturdy pole to hit the branches, allowing the nuts to fall onto a tarp or netting spread underneath the tree.
3. Gathering: Gather the fallen nuts from the tarp or netting. Remove any debris, such as twigs, leaves, or dirt, to ensure clean and healthy nuts.
4. Drying: Spread the nuts in a thin layer on a well-ventilated surface, such as a screen or mesh, to allow them to dry thoroughly. Drying typically takes several days, depending on the humidity and air circulation.
5. Hulling: Once the nuts are completely dry, remove the outer hulls. This can be done manually by squeezing the hulls between your fingers or using a dehulling machine.
6. Shell Removal: Crack the inner shells of the nuts to extract the edible kernels. This can be done manually using a nutcracker or a mechanical shelling machine.
7. Grading and Sorting: Sort the kernels based on size, color, and quality. Discard any damaged or discolored kernels.
8. Drying and Storing: Dry the kernels thoroughly to prevent spoilage. Store the dried kernels in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to preserve their freshness and quality.
9. Processing (Optional): For commercial production, the kernels may undergo further processing, such as roasting, salting, and seasoning, to enhance their flavor and extend their shelf life.

Remember to handle the nuts with care to minimize damage and ensure they retain their quality throughout the harvesting process. Proper harvesting and processing techniques will yield high-quality pistachio nuts that are ready for consumption or further processing.