Ornamental almond is a beautiful and fragrant tree with soft pink or white flowers on the branches. Despite the fact that its fruits do not have beneficial properties, this shrub is grown, but for a different purpose - decorating the garden.
Decorative almonds - an excellent decoration for the site
Variety selection
When choosing almonds, rely on the following criteria:
- climatic (dry or humid climate);
- weather (frequency of rain, wind, excessive dryness);
- land quality;
- height of the garden, etc.
Even a beginner can grow decorative almonds. Compared to other shrubs, it does not require special and long-term care. The main selection criterion is the climate of the garden, because in too dry areas a tall and large tree does not adapt.
In the middle zone it is possible to grow the following almond varieties:
- three-lobed;
- Ledebura;
- steppe (bean);
- Georgian;
- Petunnikova;
- ordinary.
Low decorative almond reaches a maximum of 1.5 m. Its crown resembles the shape of a ball. The average diameter of the flowers reaches 3 cm, and their color is always bright pink.
The flowering period of the ornamental steppe shrub begins in May and lasts 7–10 days. Its advantage is resistance to low temperatures. Among the most common types, gardeners distinguish the Albiflora and Gessler varieties.
The three-lobed ornamental almond shrub grows up to 3 m. The diameter of the crown is on average 1.5–2 m. The color of the leaves is bright green, the shoots are gray. The flowers can be pale pink, crimson, fuchsia, their diameter is about 2–3 cm. The plant blooms in early May for 10–14 days. Winter hardiness is lower than that of bean, but with proper preparation for winter, damage can be avoided.
Ledebur almond grows in the middle zone on steep slopes and in steppe areas. Its height does not exceed 1.5 m, and its width is 1–2 m. Ledebur almond blooms until the leaves bloom. It has beautiful bright red buds and deep pink flowers.
Ledebur almonds perform well in the middle zone
Planting decorative almonds
Depending on the type and variety of almonds, they are planted in one of two ways: seeds or seedlings. The first method is more often used in the spring, because in the fall seeds planted in the ground can be destroyed by rodents.
Planting seedlings is very popular. It is simple and quickly brings results: the bush will begin to bloom in the second year. What you need to consider when planting almond seedlings:
- Plant at least 4 trees close together for cross-pollination. Without it, the almonds will die and will not bloom.
- Holes for planting must be at least 35 cm deep. The width of the hole depends on the volume of the seedling's root system.
- The optimal distance between plantings is 4–5 m, so that their branches do not interfere with each other.
- Almonds can be in the shade of other trees for no more than 3 hours a day.
- Strong winds can damage or destroy a tree.
- Shrubs are watered as needed, and the soil should be checked daily for dryness. In most cases, one watering per week is sufficient.
- If the seedlings are small and fragile, strengthen their base with a metal or wood support.
Ornamental almond bushes should be planted in the fall. Superphosphate fertilizers and rotted manure are added to the pit. This way the seedlings will be able to adapt to the weather and climate. After fertilization, they will survive winter frosts and bloom in the spring.
After planting, the seedlings are watered; 10–15 liters of water is enough.
Propagation of almond trees
Propagation of ornamental varieties differs from propagation of other almond bushes. Budding is used, which preserves the qualities of almonds and their fruits. It is held in mid-July. To propagate vegetatively, the gardener will need rootstocks.
How to grow seeds:
- Dig and form neat grooves 10 cm deep at a distance of 50 cm from each other.
- Plant the grains in the furrows. Maintain a distance of 10–15 cm between seeds.
- After a year, the seeds will noticeably germinate. Watch for weeds and remove them immediately.
In June, the seedlings will reach 50–65 cm in height. The branches that are located below need to be cut to 10 cm with pruning shears into a ring. By the end of July, the thickness of the base of the seedlings will be 1 cm, they can be used for propagation.
Two days before budding, it is necessary to moisten the soil so that the bark lags behind well. It is recommended to carry out budding during the cool part of the day. Optimal time intervals: early morning or after 17:00.
If several seedlings were grown, then well-developed ones with beautiful, even shoots are selected. They should have the outline of a vegetative bud.
Sprouted almond grain
Pruning almond ornamental bushes
Pruning almonds and their branches is one of the most important elements of care. The procedure promotes the development and growth of the tree. The crown of decorative almonds is already formed in the second year after planting. In subsequent years, you need to monitor its condition by determining the average height and cutting off all shoots that are lower than it with pruners.
How to form a crown from branches:
- Create several levels of skeletal branches. The first is at the very bottom of the crown. The second consists of branches that are directed perpendicular to the first. They are located 15–20 cm above the first shoots.
- The third level is formed from shoots that occupy the space between the first two. It is 10–15 cm higher. The fourth is formed in a similar way.
- The remaining shoots growing between the listed levels are cut out.
- The most beautiful, lush and wide branches are chosen.
It is necessary to inspect trees after leaf fall, winter and at the beginning of flowering. Trim dry, frostbitten, diseased, broken branches. With proper tree care, only sanitary pruning can be done.
According to one version, the name of this plant comes from the Greek “amygdalos”, which means “beautiful tree”. Indeed, blooming almonds look very impressive, since during this period its branches are densely strewn with large double flowers of white, pink, red and purple.
Since ancient times, this crop has been planted not only to obtain seeds of high taste, but also to decorate a personal plot. Today this shrub is used in landscape design. The branches are used in making spring bouquets. The tree looks most advantageous against the background of large stones. There are about 40 varieties in total, differing in height, shape and flowering characteristics.
When almonds bloom: flowering and color in the photo
Almond flowers (their photo is presented below) appear on the tree before the leaves. In countries with warm climates, flowering begins in January and lasts until the end of March. The shape of the flower and the color of the petals depend on the type and variety of the crop. There are 3 types of almonds common in Russia: ordinary, three-lobed, steppe.
The common almond flower has a goblet-shaped cup, a pink corolla and red petals. Its diameter is 3-4 cm. Flowering lasts from April to May.
Look at the photo above - the color of the steppe almond petals is bright pink. The flowers are 2.5 cm in diameter. They bloom in May at the same time as the leaves. Flowering lasts 10-12 days.
Three-lobed almond flowers of a crimson hue, reminiscent of roses in shape and color. Their diameter is 3-3.5 cm. The bush blooms at the end of April. The duration of this period is 30 - 40 days.
Blooming almond branches - famous painting by Vincent van Gogh
“Blossoming Almond Branches” is the name of the famous painting by Vincent van Gogh, painted in 1890.
This picture, according to the artist’s plan, meant the beginning of a new life and was painted for the birth of his younger brother. The branches of this plant, which begin to bloom very early and very abundantly, were chosen as the subject.
Looking at the canvas, the viewer sees part of a tree, and it seems that the branches covered with white flowers are floating in a clear blue sky.
They occupy most of the picture and stand out from the general background due to the fact that they are emphasized by a dark, sharp outline.
This work of Gogh's baths is on display in the Amsterdam Museum.
Many peoples who grow this shrub have legends and beliefs associated with it. Thus, among the ancient Egyptians it was a symbol of wakefulness, and was also used in magical rituals. For the Chinese, almond blossom symbolized feminine beauty. For the ancient Romans, the tree was a symbol of fertility.
Sadness will drown in a pink haze,
Your heart will be filled with sweet hope.
Almonds are just blooming in the garden,
And a luxurious veil of delicate petals
For bright joy, he will open the doors wide.
The enchanting beauty of almond blossoms, reminiscent of a huge soft pink ball, will take your breath away. But the shrub does not lose its attractiveness even after the large petals generously strewn with it fly off. Its compact, easily shaped crown and unusual shapes of dark green leaves have allowed it to take pride of place in the list of preferences of landscape designers. Distinguishes culture and versatility of use. It is often grown as part of hedges of any height, but a single almond will look no less impressive in the garden.
We are looking for a suitable plot
Planting a shrub will be successful if you choose the right place for it. The plant does not like crowded spaces and does not tolerate shade. The key to its health and abundant flowering is free access to air and sunlight combined with reliable protection from drafts and gusty winds. The ideal place for almonds would be the southern part of the garden. It is better to choose an area that is well lit throughout the day. You can plant it near tall trees. The decorative appearance of the shrub will not be affected if it is in the light shadow cast by them for 2-3 hours a day.
The crop does not have any special requirements for the quality and structure of the soil. Light loams or sandy loam soils with a rich supply of nutrients and a significant depth of groundwater are most suitable for it. In them, the almond roots will not suffer from stagnation of moisture and lack of oxygen. If the soil in the area is dense and contains a lot of clay, or it is prone to flooding, growing shrubs will most likely end in its death.
Soil reaction is also important for the crop. Ornamental almonds are grown on neutral or slightly acidic soils. If the pH value goes beyond 4.5-7.5, the soil will have to be neutralized or abandoned before planting the shrub. In soil that is acidic or contains a lot of salts, the plant will be weak and vulnerable to disease.
Getting ready to land
Almonds are a deciduous crop. It can be planted in autumn or spring. In the first case, the procedure begins after the ornamental shrub has shed all its leaves. In the second, they focus on weather conditions. Almonds are planted when the weather is finally warm. If the threat of frost still remains, it is better to postpone it. In the early stages of development of a heat-loving plant, they can greatly harm it. No amount of care will help correct such consequences. Autumn planting is more often practiced.
Under natural conditions, almond bushes are usually found on rocky slopes. Therefore, it will easily tolerate the presence of boulders and cobblestones on the site; you don’t have to waste effort on removing them. The seedlings are placed in holes of medium depth (about 30 cm). If there are several bushes, leave an interval of 3-5 m between them. Planting almonds in rows will require a lot of space. The distance from one to the other should be approximately 5 m.
The bush needs good drainage, so the bottom of the hole is covered with a layer of crushed stone or broken brick, and sand is poured on top. Growing almonds will require support. It is better to install it immediately by driving a long stake into the center of the planting hole. The height of the support should be at least 0.5 m. Annual plants take root better on the site. To ensure that planting brings less stress to the almond bushes, a cloudy and cool day is chosen for it. It is carried out early in the morning or in the evening. The procedure includes several stages.
- The roots of the seedling are dipped in a clay mash.
- Place the plant in a hole so that its root collar is above the soil surface (rising 2-3 cm above it).
- A fertile loose substrate is poured, consisting of the top layer of soil, leaf soil, humus and sand.
- If the soil is acidic, add lime or dolomite flour to the hole.
- The soil around the plant is compacted and the planted decorative almonds are watered abundantly (1-1.5 buckets of water).
After the liquid is absorbed and the soil settles, the future bush is tied to a support. Planting is completed by mulching the tree trunk circle. Dry soil or peat is well suited for these purposes. A layer of mulch is poured so that it does not cover the root collar of the plant.
Almonds are characterized by cross-pollination. Growing it will cause less trouble if you place not one, but 2-3 bushes in the garden. Bees mainly pollinate shrubs, so it is good if the site is located near an apiary.
Water and feed
Decorative almonds in the garden do not require much attention. It is no more difficult to grow than any other shrub. Even beginners can provide him with proper care.
Care consists of standard procedures:
- glaze;
- loosening the soil;
- weed removal;
- fertilizing;
- trimmings;
- preventive measures aimed at combating diseases and pests.
The shrub will delight you with luxurious and long flowering in moist soil. It should not be allowed to dry out, otherwise the loose buds will quickly fade. When watering, it is important to maintain a golden mean. Excess moisture will cause the root collar of the bush to rot and die. The amount of water applied depends on the type of soil. If an area with sandy soil is allocated for growing almonds, abundant watering is needed. On loamy soils, moistening is carried out moderately. The time for the next procedure is determined by the condition of the soil in the tree trunk circle. If its top layer (1.5-2 cm) has dried out, it has arrived. Usually, almonds are watered once a week, spending 1 bucket of water on such care.
After moistening the soil, it is loosened. If the bush is still young, then the soil is cultivated shallowly - 5-7 cm. Adult plants require more intensive care. Loosening around them is carried out to a depth of 8-10 cm. Almonds do not like the proximity of weeds. The soil in the tree trunk circle should always be clean.
Ornamental shrubs respond well to fertilization. They feed it throughout the growing season. In the spring, you can not add mineral compounds to the soil, but mulch the tree trunk circle with nutritious organic matter (rotted manure or mullein). Later, ammonium nitrate is also used for fertilizing, dissolving it in water and watering the plants with this mixture. With the arrival of autumn, caring for almonds is complemented by adding potassium-phosphorus compounds to the soil. Potassium sulfate and double superphosphate have proven themselves well.
We carry out pruning
When growing a shrub, you will have to master the rules of pruning it. If you do not include this procedure in your mandatory care, the decorative effect of almonds will decrease, and their flowering will be poor. It is trimmed for sanitary purposes and to form a crown. In the first case, the procedure is carried out in early spring. It is important to get there before the sap starts flowing.
When sanitary pruning, the following types of branches are removed:
- damaged;
- sick;
- beaten by frost;
- dry;
- thickening the crown;
- growing inside her;
- interfering with each other.
When the bush fades, you can remove the shoots that had buds. Such care will contribute to the development and ripening of young branches on which next year's flower buds will form. Then you can begin formative pruning. The plant tolerates it well.
The formation of an almond crown begins immediately after planting. Having placed an annual bush in the ground, its shoots are shortened by 20 cm. In the next 3 years, the purpose of pruning is to form the skeleton of the plant. The main branches are laid at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. In the summer, 2-3 pinchings of unnecessary shoots are carried out. Those that need to be left are shortened when they extend more than 60 cm in length. Caring for an adult almond bush (7 years and older) involves pruning old branches. They will be replaced by root suckers, which the bush begins to actively produce when it reaches 3 years of age.
Preparing the plant for winter
The homeland of almonds is the Mediterranean, the climate of which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with high rainfall. The plant is thermophilic, so they begin to prepare it for the onset of cold weather in the summer. Pinching the top of the shoots of the bush stimulates their lignification. Such branches can withstand frost almost without loss.
Decorative almond bushes are found even in the gardens of Siberia. But not all of its varieties can grow in this region. The culture has many varieties, but only some of them are characterized by increased cold resistance. It is better for Siberians to choose steppe almonds for planting. It is also known as wild or low. Popularly it is usually called bean plant and almond plant.
Young plants overwinter under cover. It can be made from straw or dry leaves. The height of the protective layer should be significant - at least 15 cm. Adult almond bushes are not covered. If the winter is harsh, the flower buds on the plant and the ends of its shoots may freeze. But don’t panic if you find such signs on a bush. The decorative appearance of its crown is restored quickly. The consequences of a snowy winter are more serious. Under a thick layer of ice pellets, the root collar of the plant can dry out.
Few ornamental shrubs can boast such an abundance of advantages as almonds. It is characterized by rapid growth, unpretentiousness, is not afraid of drought, and is adapted to urban conditions. Its flowers attract bees, making the plant a valuable honey crop. If you properly care for almonds, they will delight more than one generation with their beauty, because the life of a shrub can last more than a century.
Almond is a shrub or small tree up to 10 m high (depending on the variety) and a powerful root system reaching 4-5 m in depth. The crown of a tree can be round, pyramidal, spreading and even weeping.
Almond (Prunus dulcis, formerly Prunus amygdalus or Amygdalus communis) is a plant of the subgenus Almond (Amygdalus) of the genus Plum. Almonds are often classified as nuts, although from a biological point of view they are a stone fruit.
Almonds are widely cultivated in countries with warm climates, and in the territory of the former USSR they are grown in Central Asia, Transcaucasia, Crimea, in the Danube regions and southern zones.
Description of almonds
There are two subspecies of common almonds - bitter (wild) and cultivated sweet. The seed (kernel) of the bitter one contains up to 4% amygdalin, which gives it a bitter taste and a characteristic “almond” smell; in cultivated forms the kernel is sweet with a filmy skin. In terms of nutritional value, the almond kernel is not inferior to bread, milk and meat combined. Depending on the variety and place of growth, it contains 54-62% fatty oils, 22-34% protein, 4-7% sugars, vitamins B1, B2, etc. Almond oil does not burn. Thanks to their properties, nuts can be stored and eaten for many years.
Almond flowers are large, white or pink (in decorative almonds they can be double), fragrant. Flowering almond trees (March-April) are also valued as an early honey plant, producing up to 40 kg of honey per hectare.
Almond trees begin to bear fruit in the 4-5th year after planting, and enter full fruiting in the 10-12th year. The average yield, depending on the variety, is from 6 to 12 kg of peeled nut per tree, and the lifespan of the tree itself is 60-100 years.
The almond fruit is a drupe, similar in shape and appearance to a green peach fruit, with a pubescent pericarp, which cracks after ripening (in August-September) into two flaps along the seam, releasing the stone.
According to the hardness of the shell, almond fruits, depending on the variety, can be hard-shelled, standard-shelled or soft-shelled. The thinner the shell, the higher the percentage of kernel yield. For example, if the kernel content of a nut is more than 40%, then the hardness of the shell decreases from soft, brittle to papery, easily broken by fingers.
In appearance and shape, the almond kernel is similar to the apricot kernel, but much larger - its weight is from 0.9 to 2.2 g.
Conditions for growing almonds
Almonds are photophilous, drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and relatively winter-hardy: they can withstand frosts down to minus 25°C, but spring frosts can be destructive for flowers.
For planting almonds, you should choose elevated areas of large beams or other slopes, protected from the direct influence of cold northwestern, northern and northeastern winds. For almonds, elevated, wide “amphitheatres” open to the south are preferred.
Soils. Almonds grow well and bear fruit on light clays and loams, as well as on ordinary, carbonate and leached chernozems. High lime content in the soil or subsoil indicates its suitability for an almond orchard. They all need to be well aerated, so moist, acidic and saline clay soils are completely unsuitable.
Planting almonds
Planting is done with annual seedlings in autumn or early spring according to the 7x5 or 7x4 pattern with a slight deepening of the grafting site. All almond varieties require cross-pollination, so the main varieties should be planted with 4-6 pollinator varieties, alternating (when planting gardens) 4-5 rows of the main variety with one row of pollinators. In other words, for an almond tree to bear fruit after flowering, trees of at least three other varieties must grow nearby. Almonds are an exclusively insect-pollinated species whose main pollen carrier is bees. Therefore, before flowering in the garden, it is advisable to place 3-4 hives per hectare.
Almond propagation
Almond propagation is mainly vegetative - by budding (grafting), as well as by seeds. The rootstocks are seedlings of bitter or sweet almonds, peach, cherry plum or plum, which are grafted at the age of two.
Almond formation
Immediately after planting in the spring, annual almond seedlings are shortened at a height of 80-120 cm, forming a trunk 60-80 cm high, and a crowning zone of 30-40 cm. All branches on the trunk are cut into a ring, and in the crowning zone they are shortened by 2-3 eyes . Of the regrown shoots, 3-4 of the strongest ones are left (skeletal branches of the 1st order). In 3-4 years they form a bowl-shaped crown, similar to a peach.
Pruning almond trees in the 4-5th year after planting involves thinning - branches that thicken the crown, fatty shoots and competitors are removed. Annual growths longer than 60 cm are shortened, and semi-skeletal branches older than 4-5 years are rejuvenated to three-year-old wood.
Old or damaged almond trees can be easily restored with rejuvenation pruning. If trees are not pruned for a long time, then many fatty branches form on them, semi-skeletal branches become greatly elongated, and fruit formations become lifeless.
Almond care
During the growing season in almond orchards, the soil should be kept under black fallow, regularly loosened, and watered if possible. In late autumn, fertilizers should be applied - organic matter (manure, compost, bird droppings), phosphorus and potassium salts. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied before June, but not later.
" Trees
Almond is a tall tree or bush, which belongs to the genus Plum and the Rosaceae family. Many people think that almonds are a nut, but in fact they are not, they are a stone fruit.
The almond tree reaches a height of 4-6 meters, and the bush 2-3 meters. The rhizome consists of 3-5 skeletal roots, which are able to penetrate deep into the soil, thereby protecting itself from drying out.
The plant is quite branched, and it consists of two types of shoots, which include shortened generative and elongated vegetative ones.
Dark green leaves are attached to brown petioles and have a lanceolate shape with a pointed apex.
An interesting feature of almonds is that they begin to bloom in March or April, much earlier than the time the leaves bloom.
Flowers This plant consists of 5 petals painted white or light pink. On average, the diameter of one flower is 2.5 centimeters.
almond fruit- This is a dry and velvety drupe with a leathery and fleshy green pericarp.
After drying, the pulp is very easily separated from the edible seed, which is oval-shaped and long, equal to 2.5 - 4 centimeters. It is characterized by the presence of a large number of grooves.
The first fruiting occurs at 4-5 years of tree life, but it manifests itself in full force only at 10-12 years of age. With good care, the shrub bears fruit for 30-50 years.
In addition to receiving fruits almonds are also grown for decorative purposes. The pink or white foam of the flowers of such a tree not only decorates the garden in early spring, but also exudes a unique aroma.
Almond is a plant whose pollination needs to be taken care of in advance. There are two types of trees:
- the former need cross-pollination, therefore, at least 3 pollinators are planted next to the fruiting almonds, the flowering time of which must coincide;
- the latter are pollinated by bees, so it is advisable to have 2-3 hives next to the plant.
Initially, it was believed that almonds could only be grown in the southern regions, but with the development of scientific technologies, breeders have developed varieties that, with proper shelter, can survive even the harshest winter.
Varieties
Sweet varieties of almonds are grown in cultivation; the following types are especially popular:
- Anniversary— the variety blooms quite late and has good drought resistance. The skin is medium thick and the kernel is sweet, firm and dry;
- Ayudagsky– this variety is late-ripening and early-bearing, the first fruiting occurs already in the 3rd year of the tree’s life. The fruits, covered with a soft shell, have a dense, slightly flattened oval kernel of light brown color;
- Sevastopol– such almonds boast excellent resistance to heat and drought, and they also produce a huge amount of harvest. The shell of the fruit is soft, and the kernels themselves are dense, sweet, and colored white;
- Mangul– this late-ripening variety is not afraid of drought. Hard and dense kernels with increased oiliness are covered with a soft shell. A distinctive feature will be good immunity to most diseases and pests;
- Dessert– such self-sterile almonds are well suited for growing in central Russia, because they are not afraid of return frosts and frostbite of flower buds. The shell is soft and rough. The oval-shaped kernels are very sweet and buttery. Primorsky or Spicy almonds are usually used as pollinators for this variety.
Rules for planting an almond tree in open ground
It is best to grow almonds from annual seedlings, which are placed in open ground at the beginning of March or at the end of November.
As a place to plant a plant choose a sunny area protected from drafts and gusty winds, almonds can also grow well in partial shade.
It is believed that trees planted in the fall take root better than those that were moved into open ground in the spring.
Before planting the plant, you need to prepare a hole. In the fall, two weeks before planting, pits are dug, the diameter and depth of which will be 50-70 centimeters.
If almonds are planted in groups, then the distance between individual trees should be 3-4 meters, and between rows 5-6 meters.
A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of each hole., consisting of crushed stone or gravel. Then fertile soil is placed in them, consisting of the following elements:
- 1 part sand;
- 2 parts humus;
- 3 parts leaf soil;
- 5-6 kilograms of rotted manure or humus;
- 500 grams of superphosphate;
- in the presence of acidic soil, additionally add 200-300 grams of dolomite flour or lime.
After the pit has infused sufficiently you can start planting a tree:
- Initially, a support 1-1.5 meters high is dug in the center of the pit;
- then a hill of earth is built around it;
- the seedling is placed on a mound so that the root collar is 3-5 centimeters above the ground;
- at the next stage, the hole is filled with fertile soil, compacted and thoroughly watered;
- as soon as the water is completely absorbed, the seedling is tied to a support and the soil is mulched with a 3-5 centimeter layer of peat or dry leaves.
When planting in spring, the hole is also prepared in the autumn.
How to plant almonds correctly:
Almond care
Almond care consists of several standard procedures that must be followed when growing almost all fruit trees.
For best fruiting almonds need regular watering. Young plants are watered every 2 weeks, and adults once every 20-25 days.
Loosening the tree trunk circle has a beneficial effect on tree growth. The first time such work is carried out at the end of March to a depth of 10-12 centimeters.
Then, during the entire growing season, another 3-4 loosenings are carried out, but to a depth of 6-8 centimeters. It is also necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner.
Almonds are very responsive to fertilizing. Starting from the 2nd year of life, in late April-early May, 20 grams of ammonium nitrate or urea diluted in water are added to the trunk circle of each tree.
In the fall, the following mixture is added to the tree trunk circle for digging::
- 1 kilogram of manure;
- 20 grams of potassium sulphide;
- 40 grams of superphosphate.
During the first 5-7 years of tree life, it is recommended to grow green manure in the inter-row spaces.
In Siberia, you can grow bean, steppe, low or Russian almonds without shelter. Three-lobed almonds grow well in the central zone.
Trimming
At the beginning of spring, before the buds open It is necessary to remove all frozen, broken, diseased or deforming branches.
After flowering has finished, you can begin formative pruning., during which 3 tiers of skeletal branches are brought out:
- in the first year, select three branches located 15-20 centimeters from each other and shorten them to a length equal to 15 centimeters;
- the next 2-3 years, 3 tiers are formed on the central conductor, located at a distance of 20-30 centimeters;
- Shoots that are insignificant for crown formation are pinched several times during the summer;
- the rest are cut to 50-60 centimeters;
- upon completion of the work, the central conductor is shortened so that the distance between it and the upper tier is 55-60 centimeters.
In autumn, after the leaves have fallen, carry out sanitary and anti-aging pruning. That is, all dry, diseased, broken branches, growing in the wrong direction and thickening the crown are removed.
It is worth remembering that when pruning thick branches, the cut site must be treated with garden varnish.
Diseases and pests
The most common types of diseases found on almonds are:
- Cercospora— initially, brown spots with a diameter of 2-4 millimeters appear on the leaves, on which you can see a gray coating. Then the center of the leaf dries out and falls off.
- Scab is a fungal disease that affects leaves, flowers and shoots of a tree.
- Rust- red spots appear on the upper side of the leaf, and brown pads on the inside. Over time, the leaves dry out and fall off.
- Hole spot- the disease affects all parts of the tree. It can be detected on the leaves, because characteristic spots of red shades with a dark border along the edges appear on them.
- Gray rot— brown spots and a gray fluffy coating appear on the shoots.
To get rid of diseases, it is necessary to remove and burn damaged parts of plants and treat them with fungicides according to the instructions. The most popular drugs are Horus, Topaz, Champion and Oxychom.
Among the pests on almonds you can find such insects as seed beetle, aphid, leaf roller or spider mite.
To control pests, trees must be treated with insecticides, which include Actellik, Fufanon, Tagore.
Biotlin or Antitlin are used against aphids. You can get rid of spider mites using Apollo, Agravertin or Fitoverm.
As you know, it is much better to prevent the occurrence of any trouble than to treat it, therefore Preventative measures will be extremely effective:
- in early spring, before buds form, the tree and the soil around it are treated with a 1 percent solution of Brodka liquid;
- after the end of leaf fall, the treatment should be repeated;
- The best preventive measure would be to adhere to agricultural cultivation techniques. This includes proper watering, weed removal and sanitary pruning.
The almonds are removed only after the green outer shell has darkened and can be easily separated from the kernel.
Using a flowering tree in landscape design
Almonds have very beautiful and unusual flowering, for which it is often planted for decorative purposes. Early flowers can only decorate a waking garden and create a spring mood.
In addition, a correctly formed crown shape will help to use such trees to create an alley or simply as shading for rest areas.
The almond tree is an amazing flowering plant, which in modern conditions can be grown in any corner of the country. If you follow all the recommendations correctly, you can get very tasty bone fruits.