Planting your almond tree plot: how to do it? What maintenance is required?

Quick read / the essentials on planting a one-hectare almond plot in France

Successful almond orchard planting relies on careful planning that includes soil analysis, drainage management, amendments, and planting density. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , supports growers through every step of the process of purchasing almond plants that are suited to local soil and climate conditions.

A soil analysis carried out 6 to 12 months before planting allows the pH to be adjusted (ideally between 6.5 and 7.5) and the necessary amendments to be made. The soil structure must be worked deeply (subsoiling to 40-60 cm and plowing to 30-40 cm) to ensure good rooting. An organic amendment (20 to 40 tonnes/ha of manure or compost) promotes soil fertility, while adequate drainage prevents root asphyxiation.

The optimal planting density is 200 to 250 trees/ha , with a recommended spacing of 7 m x 6 m to allow good aerial and root development. Each planting hole (80 cm wide and 60 cm deep) is enriched with organic matter to facilitate rooting. The installation of stakes and protection against rodents is essential for young plants. After planting, abundant watering of 20 to 30 liters per tree ensures good recovery.

Strict monitoring is necessary in the first years: regular irrigation, mechanical weeding or mulching, progressive fertilization and formative pruning. From the third year, the first yields can reach 0.5 to 1 kg per tree , and at full production (7-8 years), almond trees produce between 8 and 12 kg per tree . Pollination is a key factor in maximizing yield, hence the importance of installing 2 to 3 hives per hectare .

Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , offers varieties adapted to the specific needs of producers. Purchasing resistant and well-selected almond plants guarantees a perennial and productive plantation, with an orchard optimized for sustainable and profitable exploitation.


Typical Planting for a One Hectare Almond Plot in France

Successful almond planting requires several factors to consider, including soil preparation, drainage, soil amendment, and planting density planning. Here's a step-by-step approach:


1. Soil Analysis

  • Conduct a complete soil analysis 6 to 12 months before planting to determine pH, nutrient content, and soil structure. An ideal pH is between 6.5 and 7.5.


2. Drainage

  • Ensure good soil drainage to prevent water accumulation. Install a drainage system if necessary.


3. Soil Work

  • Subsoil to a depth of 40-60 cm to loosen the soil.
  • Carry out a deep ploughing to a depth of 30-40 cm to loosen the soil.
  • Use a cultivator or harrow to refine the surface soil structure.


4. Amendment

  • Add 20 to 40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
  • If the pH is below 6.5, incorporate 2 to 3 tonnes/ha of lime to correct it.


5. Basic Fertilization

  • Apply 100-150 kg/ha of P2O5 and 150-200 kg/ha of K2O depending on the results of the soil analysis.


6. Final Preparation

  • Level the ground to facilitate irrigation and the passage of machinery.
  • Carry out superficial work (scratching) just before planting.


7. Orchard Planning

  • Mark the location of the trees at a spacing of 7 m x 6 m, which gives a density of 238 trees/ha. A planting density of 200-250 trees/ha with a spacing of 6-7 m is also common.
  • Provide 7 m wide aisles every 6 rows to facilitate the movement of machines.


8. Preparation of Planting Holes

  • Dig holes 80 cm wide and 60 cm deep for each tree.
  • Mix the extracted soil with 20-30% compost or well-rotted manure.


9. Planting

  • Plant young almond trees during the winter, before flowering.
  • Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system.
  • Install stakes and rodent protection.
  • Water thoroughly after planting with 20-30 liters of water per tree.


10-Year Work Schedule for an Almond Plot

Here is a detailed calendar of the work to be carried out year by year for professional almond cultivation in France.

Note: Exact dates and quantities may vary depending on region, local climate and plot specifics.


Year 0 (Preparation and Planting)

October-November

  • Soil preparation: Deep loosening (60-80 cm).
  • Basic amendment: 20-40 t/ha of well-rotted manure.
  • Soil analysis: pH correction if necessary (optimal: 6.5-7.5).

November-December

  • Planting: Planting density: 200-250 trees/ha (spacing 6-7 m).
  • Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system.
  • Install stakes and rodent protection.
  • Post-planting watering: 20-30 L/tree.


Year 1

February-March

  • Training size: Cut back the trunk to a height of 80-100 cm.
  • Select 3-4 well-distributed carpenters.

April-September

  • Regular irrigation: 20-30 L/tree/week.
  • Weeding: Mechanical weeding or mulching within a 1 m radius around the trunk.

November

  • Fertilization: 100-150 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10).


Year 2

January-February

  • Formative pruning: Thin out the center of the tree.
  • Shorten the carpenters by 1/3 of their length.

March-September

  • Irrigation: Increase to 40-50 L/tree/week.
  • Weed control: Extend the control radius to 1.5 m.

October

  • Fertilization: 200-250 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer.


Year 3

January-February

  • Light pruning: Remove poorly placed or overly vigorous branches.

March-September

  • Irrigation: 60-80 L/tree/week.
  • Pollination: Install beehives (2-3/ha) to optimize pollination.

August-September

  • First possible harvest: Estimated yield: 0.5-1 kg/tree.

October

  • Fertilization: 300-350 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer.


Year 4 and Beyond

December-January

  • Annual maintenance pruning: Thinning to promote light penetration.
  • Removal of dead or diseased branches.

February-March

  • Preventive treatment: Against moniliosis (if necessary).
  • Installation of hives (2-3/ha).

March-August

  • Irrigation: 80-100 L/tree/week depending on rainfall.
  • Split fertilization: 400-500 g/tree of NPK fertilizer in 2-3 applications.

August-September

  • Harvest: Average yield at maturity (year 7-8): 8-12 kg/tree.

October

  • Foliar analysis: Adjustment of fertilization for the following year.
  • Superficial tillage between rows.


Years 5-10: Full Production and Maintenance

Winter (December-February)

  • Fruiting pruning: Light and regular pruning to renew fruiting branches.
  • Thin to allow light penetration.

Spring (March-May)

  • Fertilization: Adapt according to foliar analysis.
  • Phytosanitary treatments: Monitor and treat against diseases and pests.

Summer (June-August)

  • Irrigation: Maintain 80-100 L/tree/week.
  • Thinning: Manually thin fruit if necessary.

Autumn (September-November)

  • Harvesting: Harvest almonds when they are ripe.
  • Clean the orchard and protect the roots from frost with mulch.


Additional Advice

Pollination

  • The Ai almond tree is self-sterile, it requires another variety for good pollination (e.g. Texas, Ardéchoise).
  • Install beehives (2-3/ha) to ensure optimal pollination.

Weed Management

  • Mulch around trees with organic materials (straw, wood chips).

Size

  • Prune after harvest.

Regular Monitoring

  • Inspect trees for diseases and pests.

Marketing

  • Diversify marketing channels to maximize profitability.

This technical calendar provides a solid foundation for professional almond cultivation in France. It is essential to adapt it to the specific characteristics of your farm and local conditions.


To summarize: establishment and management of a plot of almond trees

The success of almond cultivation depends on good soil preparation, controlled planting and rigorous technical monitoring. Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , provides producers with quality plants adapted to the constraints of almond cultivation in France.

Planting begins with a soil analysis to correct the pH and improve fertility with an organic amendment (manure, compost) . Good drainage is essential to avoid root asphyxiation. Tree spacing (6-7 m) is determined according to the planting density (200-250 trees/ha), ensuring harmonious development.

Young almond trees require careful monitoring from the moment they are planted:
✅ Initial watering: 20-30 liters of water per tree
✅ Progressive fertilization: 100-500 g of NPK fertilizer/tree/year
✅ Training pruning: selection of the scaffolds to structure the tree
✅ Weeding and mulching: protection against plant competition
✅ Pollination: installation of 2-3 hives/ha to optimize fruit set

From the third year onwards, the first fruits appear with moderate production (0.5 to 1 kg/tree). Full production is reached around 7-8 years , with average yields of 8-12 kg/tree . Annual maintenance includes pruning, adequate irrigation (80-100 L/week in summer) and protection against diseases and pests.

Amandiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , helps growers purchase almond plants selected according to the requirements of their terroir. By adopting rigorous orchard management and choosing suitable varieties, arborists guarantee profitable and sustainable cultivation.