Important Steps to Almond Cultivation in India: From Soil to Harvest

Almonds primarily grow in deep & well-drained loamy soils with a depth of 1.5 - 2 m and a pH level of 6.0 - 7.5. It needs a Mediterranean climate with slightly hot summers (30-35 °C) and mild winters.

Grafting in almond trees is usually done in either winter or summer, depending on the technique used. The best method for grafting is ‘T’ or Shield budding, done about 10 cm above the ground.

The grafted Almond plants are planted in a square system with a spacing of 3.5 X 3.5 X 2.5 m (high-density planting system), 4 X 4 m (medium high-density system), or 6 X 6 m (standard planting system).

The annual water requirement for almond trees is approx. 300 - 400 mm. Drip irrigation is highly effective and particularly required during Flowering (Feb-Mar) & Fruit development (Apr, May & June).

Almonds need a large amount of manure & fertilizer. Well-rotted farm yard manure (FYM) can be applied to each tree at the rate of 20-25 kg/tree during winter. Urea can be applied in 2-3 divided doses.

Almond trees, like all crops, can be affected by pests and diseases. For this reason, preventing any soil-borne diseases and pest control is crucial for the long-term health of almond orchards.