Create Your Garden

Prunus dulcis (Almond)

Almond, Sweet Almond, Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus communis

Prunus dulcis, Almond, Sweet Almond, Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus communis, Deciduous Tree, Fall Color, Fruit Tree
Prunus dulcis, Almond, Sweet Almond, Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus communis, Deciduous Tree, Fall Color, Fruit Tree
Prunus dulcis, Almond, Sweet Almond, Amygdalus communis, Amygdalus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus communis, Deciduous Tree, Fall Color, Fruit Tree

Prunus dulcis (Almond) is a large multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree, usually with a twisted, fissured trunk and a spreading dome-shaped canopy. Fragrant, bowl-shaped, palest pink or white flowers are produced in early spring before the leaves emerge. Borne laterally on spurs or short lateral branches, they are very attractive to pollinating insects. The blossoms are followed by velvety, pale green fruit containing edible nuts. The almonds mature in late summer or fall, their hull splitting open to reveal the nut inside. The pale green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), are alternate, lanceolate, and have a serrated margin. They exhibit a yellow-orange fall color. Plant at least two varieties for the best cross-pollination if grown for nut production.

Cultivated for at least 3000 years, Prunus dulcis is native to central and southwestern Asia and northern Africa but is now grown worldwide. It thrives in temperate climates where summers are long, hot, and dry, and winters are mild and wet. It needs some winter chill, 300 to 600 hours below 45°F (7°C), to break dormancy. However, it must be spared from frosts: its early spring flowers are susceptible to frost damage.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (300-450 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in deep, moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Almonds tolerate a wide range of soils except for heavy, slow-draining soils. They can withstand drought and grow in poor soils. Will benefit from a layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture. Fertilize in spring before any new growth and again in the fall.
  • Almond trees should be pruned in the first year and every subsequent year to help thin the canopy and prevent disease.
  • Look for leaf spot, dieback, powdery mildew, canker, black knot, verticillium wilt, aphids, scale, borers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.
  • Propagate by chip budding or grafting.
  • Native Asia Minor and North Africa.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3B, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Fruit Tree
Common names Almond
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spacing 240" - 360"
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Prunus (Almond, Apricots, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Plum) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’ (European Plum)
Prunus insititia (Damson Plum)
Prunus domestica ‘Stanley’ (European Plum)
Prunus salicina ‘Ozark Premier’ (Japanese Plum)
Prunus domestica ‘Green Gage’ (European Plum)
Prunus domestica ‘Mount Royal’ (European Plum)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Prunus persica (Peach)
Native Plant Alternatives to Prunus avium (Sweet Cherry)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3B, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Fruits, Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Fruit Tree
Common names Almond
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spacing 240" - 360"
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Prunus (Almond, Apricots, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Plum) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Prunus dulcis (Almond) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Prunus dulcis (Almond) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone