Prunus dulcis

Amandel / Almond

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Asia (whole), Europe (whole)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (2)

Fruits, nuts
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Leaves

Almond belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is an early and mid species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 3 to 7 meter. and a width of 3 to 6 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Almond is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Almond is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Maja Dumat, https://www.flickr.com/photos/blumenbiene/4358329903

foto: Maja Dumat, https://www.flickr.com/photos/blumenbiene/4358329903

foto: PhotoLanda, https://www.flickr.com/photos/blumenbiene/4358329903

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): end of march
Flowering period (length): several weeks, week
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: partially self-fertile, self sterile, self-fertile (sf), varies per cultivar

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

sensitive

Main serious pests and diseases

monilinia, bacterial canker

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Nuts

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early june, mid june, end of june, early july, mid july, end of july
Harvesting period - length: Month
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Simple tool
Form of consumption: Processed
Natural storability: Week
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 15
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 50

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, ground layer, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early september, mid september, end of september, mid october
Harvesting period - length: Month, several weeks
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, dropping
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Year
Nutritional value - relatively high: Protein
Suitable markets: Bulk
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 4
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 15
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 50

Culinary appreciation

Nuts: exceptionally high value, sweet nuts, rich in fats. Fruits: used as a vegetable and highly appreciated, especially in Southern Europe.

References