Technical sheet of the Ferraduel almond variety
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Fruit flesh color: White
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Skin color: Green turning brown when ripe
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Size and Shape: Medium to large, elongated and flattened, also described as broad and flat. The shell is hard.
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Tree Size: Typically reaches a height of 4 to 6 meters as a mature tree, with a similar spread.
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Fruit maturity: Generally mid to late September or early September, just after the Ferragnès variety.
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Fruit Taste: Excellent taste quality, mild and sweet, with subtle notes reminiscent of bread crumb. Some describe a sweet and fragrant flavor.
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Earliness of the variety: Late, with flowering at the end of March, a few days after Ferragnès.
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Fruiting period: Harvest generally mid to late September or early September.
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Disease resistance and storage: Shows good resistance to monilia. Is moderately susceptible to fusicoccum and susceptible to scab. The hard shell ensures good storage of the fruit.
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Variety Yield: Good to very good production potential, although it can exhibit a tendency toward alternate bearing. Fruit set is relatively rapid, generally beginning in the 3rd leaf. Break yield is 25-28%, with very few doubles.
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Is this variety self-fertile? No, the Ferraduel almond tree is self-sterile and requires the presence of another compatible variety to ensure good pollination and fruiting. Recommended pollinators are Ferragnès, Ferrastar, Aï, Texas, and Avijor.
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Commercial use:
- Excellent for direct consumption as a dried fruit.
- Very popular in baking thanks to their sweet and fragrant flavor.
- Used for the production of quality almond oil.
- Suitable for making sweets and chocolates due to their refined taste.
- Particularly suitable for making sugared almonds due to their wide, flat shape and excellent taste.
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Is this a COV variety? No, Ferraduel is not a COV (Certified Obtained Verified) variety; it is a public domain variety that is no longer protected. It was developed by INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) in the south of France.
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Comments:
- The Ferraduel Almond tree has strong to very strong vigor and a spreading to semi-erect habit with well-branched branches.
- Staking is recommended at planting and during the first few years of growth, especially in windy areas, to help stabilize the tree and form a strong structure.
- Its late flowering (end of March) is an advantage because it reduces the risk of damage due to spring frosts.
- It is generally tolerant of limestone but sensitive to root asphyxiation, preferring well-drained and permeable soils.
- Several rootstocks are compatible and recommended for cultivation in France, including GF 677, Franc d'amandier, Cadaman and Myrobalan.
- It is hardy and productive, well adapted to Mediterranean climatic conditions.
Quick read / the essentials on Amandier Ferraduel
The Ferraduel almond tree is one of the flagship varieties for arborists looking to combine yield, robustness, and taste quality. A product of INRA's breeding efforts, Ferraduel is making its mark on the French landscape thanks to its late flowering, ideal for avoiding spring frost damage. Highly vigorous, with a semi-erect habit and well-branched branches, this tree can reach 6 meters in height at maturity. It is a choice option for experienced producers who want to optimize their orchards while minimizing climate risks.
At Amandiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , we support professionals in choosing strategic varieties. Ferraduel, not subject to the COV, is a royalty-free variety, appreciated for the high quality of its almonds with a sweet taste and perfect texture. Buying Ferraduel almond plants provides access to almond production suitable for pastries, high-end confectionery and direct consumption.
Particularly suited to Mediterranean climates, Ferraduel tolerates drought and calcareous soils well, while displaying good resistance to the main almond diseases. However, its sensitivity to fusicoccum and scab requires appropriate plant protection. Thanks to a judicious choice of rootstocks, such as GF 677 or Franc d'amandier, plantations can be optimized on well-drained and sunny soils. To secure your orchard, a wholesale supplier specializing in almond plants advises you to associate Ferraduel with other pollinating varieties such as Ferragnès, Texas or Lauranne.
Buying Ferraduel almond plants with Amandiverse means guaranteeing your farm vigorous plants, carefully selected for an optimal start and sustainable production.
Origin and obtaining
Ferraduel is an almond variety developed by INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) in the south of France. It is the result of a varietal selection program aimed at creating high-performance almond trees adapted to French climates. Unlike some newer varieties, Ferraduel is not a COV (Plant Variety Certificate) variety and is therefore in the public domain.
Tree characteristics
The Ferraduel almond tree has strong to very strong vigor , with a spreading to semi-erect habit. It develops well-branched branches and generally reaches 4 to 6 meters in height when mature , with an equivalent span.
Staking is recommended during planting and during the first few years, especially in windy areas, to ensure good structure.
Ferraduel's lifespan can exceed several decades, under optimal growing conditions, like most almond trees.
Flowering and maturity
Ferraduel is a late-flowering variety , which generally blooms at the end of March , a few days after Ferragnès. This delayed flowering is an important asset in areas sensitive to spring frosts .
Fruiting is relatively quick , from the third leaf, which is slightly earlier than some other varieties. The almond harvest takes place from mid to late September , which places Ferraduel among the medium-ripening varieties.
Pollination
Ferraduel is self-sterile . It therefore requires the presence of another compatible variety to ensure fertilization and fruit production . Recommended pollinators are Ferragnès (most often used), Aï , Texas , Lauranne , Ferrastar and Avijor .
It is advisable to combine at least two compatible varieties within an orchard to ensure good cross-pollination.
Fruit characteristics
Ferraduel almonds are known for their medium to large size , their elongated, wide and flat shape , and their excellent taste . The kernel, with white flesh , is soft and sweet , with notes reminiscent of bread crumb .
The outer skin (hull) is green at the beginning of development, then turns brown at maturity. The almond shell is hard , which promotes good conservation .
Almonds can be stored for several months in a cool, dry environment (between 10 and 13°C). The cracking yield is good, between 25 and 28% , with few doubles .
Resistance to diseases and parasites
Ferraduel has good general resistance to diseases , particularly monilia , to which it is not very sensitive. On the other hand, it is moderately sensitive to fusicoccum and sensitive to scab , which may require appropriate preventive measures.
Regarding pests, although specific data are limited, it is advisable to take into account the classic enemies of the almond tree, such as aphids, scale insects or mites , with reasoned phytosanitary protection.
Resistance to drought, limestone and soil
Ferraduel is particularly well suited to Mediterranean climates . It shows very good resistance to drought , once well established. Moderate watering during the growing season can, however, improve the quality and regularity of production.
This variety tolerates calcareous soils well . However, it prefers light, well-drained soils and can suffer in heavy or poorly aerated soils. Like all almond trees, Ferraduel is sensitive to root asphyxiation .
Recommended rootstocks
To optimize cultivation in France, several rootstocks are compatible . GF 677 , a peach x almond hybrid , is very vigorous and tolerant to drought and limestone . Almond franc is well adapted to dry and low-lime soils . Cadaman , less vigorous than GF 677 , remains compatible with almonds . Myrobalan , of average vigor , is recommended for more humid soils . The choice of rootstock must always be adapted to the pedoclimatic conditions of the orchard .
The choice of rootstock must be adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the orchard.
Commercial use
Ferraduel almonds are highly valued for making sugared almonds , thanks to their aesthetic shape and large size . They are also popular for direct consumption as dried fruit , due to their excellent taste . Their sweet and fragrant taste makes them an ingredient of choice for artisanal or industrial baking . They are also suitable for the production of almond oil as well as for the manufacture of high-end confectionery and chocolates . This rich and versatile taste profile positions Ferraduel as a safe bet , both for processing outlets and for direct sales .
This rich and versatile taste profile positions Ferraduel as a safe bet for both processing and direct sales outlets .
Performance and productivity
Ferraduel has good to very good production potential , although some sources mention a slight tendency towards alternation . Precise yield data vary, but a healthy adult almond tree can produce between 23 and 30 kg , and up to 40 kg of almonds per year depending on growing conditions. Its stable productivity and good valuation make it a profitable variety for professionals.
Conclusion
The Ferraduel almond tree is a safe bet for French producers , notably thanks to its late flowering, its remarkable fruit quality, its good resistance to drought and its strong vigor. Its adaptation to calcareous soils, its longevity and its productivity make it a strategic variety in the current climatic context . However, its non-self-fertility requires rigorous management of pollination, and vigilance remains necessary in the face of certain specific diseases.
To summarize: Amandier Ferraduel
Ferraduel is now a reliable value in the world of French almond growing. Its technical profile is attractive thanks to its reassuring late flowering, impressive vigor, and high-quality fruit, prized both for confectionery and for consumption as dried almonds. Its ability to establish itself well in calcareous soils and its excellent resistance to drought make it a variety with a promising future in the face of climate change.
Amandiverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , offers you Ferraduel plants carefully selected for their vitality and productivity. Buying Ferraduel almond plants from a specialist means benefiting not only from quality plant material, but also from expert advice to maximize your long-term investment.
With an annual production potential that can exceed 30 kg per tree and a recognized quality of almond, Ferraduel offers professionals a profitable diversification opportunity. However, be careful to organize cross-pollination, essential for its fruiting, by planting compatible varieties such as Ferragnès or Avijor. A wholesale supplier specializing in almond plants , Amandiverse also helps you select the best rootstocks suited to your terroir.
Don't leave anything to chance: choosing to buy Ferraduel almond plants means choosing a sustainable solution that is adapted to the excellence of almond production in France. Trust Amandiverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , to secure and enhance your future orchard.
