Almond Tree - Annual Work Calendar for the Almond Tree
Quick Read / The Essentials of the Almond Growing Calendar
Growing almond trees requires careful planning to ensure proper tree development and maximize yields. A precise work schedule allows for the orchards' needs to be anticipated and ensures consistent, high-quality production. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers in implementing these best practices by offering them suitable plants and technical advice for each stage of the production cycle.
The installation of the orchard begins with careful preparation of the soil (decompaction, drainage, fertilization) before planting in November-December. During the first years, the emphasis is placed on formative pruning , irrigation and weed management to structure the tree and promote its growth.
From the third year, the first fruits appear, requiring an adaptation of cultural practices: more sustained fertilization, irrigation management and the introduction of beehives to maximize pollination. From the fourth year, the almond trees enter into full production and reach stable yields (8 to 12 kg/tree at maturity).
Irrigation plays a vital role in crop success, with strategic applications in spring and summer to ensure good fruit set and optimal fruit size. Balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization should be adjusted annually based on foliar analysis.
The fight against diseases and pests is based on preventive practices: good aeration of the foliage, regular pruning, monitoring of pests and biological treatments if necessary . Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , provides producers with resistant varieties and technical support to optimize the management of their orchards. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse means ensuring a high-performance and profitable orchard, supported by cutting-edge expertise.
The Importance of a Precise Calendar for Growing Almond Trees
Growing almond trees in France requires careful management of the various stages of growth and maintenance. A precise schedule of work is essential to ensure the proper development of the trees, optimize yields, and prevent disease. From preparing the soil before planting to maintaining a mature orchard , each phase must be carefully planned to ensure sustainable and profitable production. This detailed schedule presents the work to be carried out year after year, taking into account the specificities of the French climate.
Year 0: Soil preparation and planting
The first step is to prepare the soil to optimize the almond trees' growing conditions. A preliminary soil analysis is essential to identify amendment and fertilization needs.
In October-November , deep decompaction to 60-80 cm is recommended to improve drainage and prevent root asphyxiation. The addition of well-rotted manure (20-40 t/ha) enriches the soil structure and its water retention. A pH analysis is essential, the ideal range being between 6.5 and 7.5 .
Planting is done between November and December . A spacing of 6 to 7 m between trees ensures good ventilation and optimal access to light. Planting holes should be 50% wider than the root system, and abundant watering of 20-30 liters per tree is essential immediately after planting. It is advisable to install stakes to stabilize young plants and protect the trunks from rodents .
Year 1: Installation and Initial Growth
During the first year, the objective is to promote good root development and begin structuring the tree .
In February-March , formative pruning is necessary. This involves cutting the trunk back to 80-100 cm to encourage branching and selecting 3 to 4 well-distributed scaffolds .
From April to September, irrigation is crucial , with a supply of 20-30 liters of water per tree per week . To limit competition with weeds, it is recommended to carry out mechanical weeding or use mulch around young trees.
In November , a first application of balanced fertilizer (100-150 g per tree, NPK 10-10-10) helps to strengthen growth.
Year 2: Development of the structure
The almond tree continues to grow and requires special attention in terms of pruning and irrigation.
In January-February , formative pruning continues : the center of the tree must be thinned to improve air circulation and light penetration. The scaffolds are shortened by a third of their length to promote a balanced structure.
From April to September, irrigation increases to 40-50 liters per tree per week . The weed control area is extended to 1.5 m around the trunk .
In October , a more substantial fertilization (200-250 g/tree of an NPK fertilizer) accompanies the accelerated growth of the tree.
Year 3: Entry into production
The first fruits can appear from the third year. It is then necessary to adapt cultural practices to the emerging production .
In January-February , light pruning is carried out to remove poorly placed branches and maintain a harmonious structure.
From April to September, irrigation is increased to 60-80 liters per tree per week . The first flowers appear , and the presence of bees is essential . It is advisable to install 2 to 3 hives per hectare to ensure good pollination.
In August-September , a first small harvest can take place, with an estimated yield of 0.5-1 kg per tree .
In October , fertilization is further increased (300-350 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer).
Years 4 and beyond: Entry into full production
From the fourth year onwards, almond trees enter a phase of regular and increasing production . The aim is to optimise yields and maintain the health of the trees.
In December-January , annual maintenance pruning is carried out to thin the tree and remove dead or diseased branches .
In February-March , preventive treatment against brown rot can be considered if necessary. The presence of beehives (2-3/ha) is maintained to ensure good pollination.
From April to August, irrigation reaches 80-100 liters per tree per week . Fertilization is split into 2 to 3 applications to ensure good nutrient absorption. On average, 400-500 g of fertilizer per tree is applied throughout the season.
In August-September , the main harvest takes place , with an average yield of 8 to 12 kg per tree at full maturity (years 7-8).
In October , it is recommended to carry out a foliar analysis to adjust the fertilization for the following year. Superficial soil cultivation can also be carried out to improve aeration and limit weeds.
Technical details on orchard maintenance
Irrigation
Irrigation is essential to ensure optimal yields. Regular water supply can double the productivity of an almond orchard. Using a drip irrigation system or micro-sprinklers is ideal for limiting waste and ensuring localized water supply.
Critical periods requiring special attention are:
- Early spring (flowering and fruit set): a good level of humidity ensures fruit formation.
- Summer (fruit growth): avoid water stress to ensure good harvest quality.
- Post-harvest (accumulation of reserves): maintain a moderate supply to promote the vigor of the tree for the following season.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be adjusted annually based on leaf analysis. An adult almond tree under irrigation requires 100-120 units of nitrogen (N) per year , divided into three inputs:
- 50-60 units at flowering time ,
- 25-30 at fruit set ,
- 25-30 during fruit growth .
In addition, 40-45 units of phosphorus (P2O5) and 120-140 units of potassium (K2O) should be provided in December-January.
Disease and pest control
The most common diseases are brown rot, scab, and bacterial diseases . Good leaf aeration and regular thinning limit the risk of infection. In cases of high pressure, biological treatments or approved fungicides can be applied.
Pests such as aphids, mites and codling moths should be monitored. Planting hedges that promote biodiversity and using pheromone traps can help limit their impact.
Conclusion
Growing almond trees in France requires careful monitoring year after year . From soil preparation to maintaining a mature orchard, each step is crucial to ensuring stable, high-quality production . By adhering to this schedule, growers can maximize their yields while preserving the health of the trees and the sustainability of their operations.
To summarize: a precise calendar to maximize almond production
Accurately monitoring the almond tree growing cycle is essential to ensure stable and profitable production. Each phase, from soil preparation to harvest, must be carefully planned. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports producers in managing their orchards to optimize each stage of tree development.
The first years are devoted to structuring the orchard: soil preparation, planting, formative pruning and irrigation management . From the third year, production begins and requires increased fertilization, precise monitoring of irrigation and the introduction of beehives to improve pollination. From the fourth year, the objective is to optimize yields and ensure the longevity of the orchard with maintenance pruning, appropriate fertilization and effective disease control.
Localized irrigation is a key lever for doubling productivity, with targeted applications in spring and summer to ensure good fruit growth. Fertilization should be split into three applications for optimal nutrient absorption. Finally, rigorous monitoring of diseases and pests helps maintain tree health and ensure quality harvests.
A well-structured schedule is essential to maximize the profitability of an almond orchard. Buying almond plants from Amandiverse means choosing recognized expertise and benefiting from technical advice adapted to the realities of each farm, thus guaranteeing successful and sustainable cultivation.