Prunus dulcis

The most numerous (more than 430 species) the genus Prunus (Prunus) includes a variety of plants that are now classified as independent genera. These are plums, peaches, cherries, almonds, apricots, bird cherry, bay leaves, etc., which are of great importance as ornamental and/or fruit crops. This also includes a species such as almonds-a tree (up to 8-10 m high) or a shrub with a twisted trunk and branches covered with blackish bark that cracks into scales. Young green branches often take on a reddish hue from the sunny side. Light green leaves are elongated or ovate-lanceolate, pointed at the tip, with a thinly serrated edge. Flower buds from which fruits are formed can be recognized by their swelling, growth buds are more compact. Long before the leaves open, numerous simple pale pink or white flowers appear. Fruits ripen in late summer, are drupes of oval or elongated shape with a pubescent opening pericarp. A stone (and there is an almond) with a furrowed or perforated surface. In a suitable climate zone, almonds are a beautiful flowering tree that combines useful nutritional and decorative qualities. Low almond, or dwarf almond (Prunus nana), is a shrubby, 1-1. 5 m tall, root-spreading species. The glossy leaves are obovate to lanceolate in shape. In March-April, flowers of intense pink color bloom in many places. "Chinese almond" is called in Italy a three-lobed plum (P. triloba). This plant is most often grafted on a high stem, as a result, a tree is obtained, in which pruning forms a thick rounded crown of dark brown branches. The leaves are juicy green in color. In late March and early April, light pink flowers bloom. Common almond (P. dulcis) is a tree with a height of 4-6 m, in arid conditions it takes a shrub-like shape, and is widely grown as a fruit crop. It has oblong-lanceolate leaves with a slightly serrated edge, with age it acquires a wide crown shape. A sweet variety of almonds (P. dulcis var. dulcis) has long been bred for the sake of delicious seeds. Bitter almond seeds (P. dulcis var. amara) are bitter in taste and poisonous.

The most numerous (more than 430 species) the genus Prunus (Prunus) includes a variety of plants that are now classified as independent genera. These are plums, peaches, cherries, almonds, apricots, bird cherry, bay leaves, etc., which are of great importance as ornamental and/or fruit crops. This also includes a species such as almonds-a tree (up to 8-10 m high) or a shrub with a twisted trunk and branches covered with blackish bark that cracks into scales. Young green branches often take on a reddish hue from the sunny side. Light green leaves are elongated or ovate-lanceolate, pointed at the tip, with a thinly serrated edge. Flower buds from which fruits are formed can be recognized by their swelling, growth buds are more compact. Long before the leaves open, numerous simple pale pink or white flowers appear. Fruits ripen in late summer, are drupes of oval or elongated shape with a pubescent opening pericarp. A stone (and there is an almond) with a furrowed or perforated surface. In a suitable climate zone, almonds are a beautiful flowering tree that combines useful nutritional and decorative qualities.

Low almond, or dwarf almond (Prunus nana), is a shrubby, 1-1. 5 m tall, root-spreading species. The glossy leaves are obovate to lanceolate in shape. In March-April, flowers of intense pink color bloom in many places. "Chinese almond" is called in Italy a three-lobed plum (P. triloba). This plant is most often grafted on a high stem, as a result, a tree is obtained, in which pruning forms a thick rounded crown of dark brown branches. The leaves are juicy green in color. In late March and early April, light pink flowers bloom.

Common almond (P. dulcis) is a tree with a height of 4-6 m, in arid conditions it takes a shrub-like shape, and is widely grown as a fruit crop. It has oblong-lanceolate leaves with a slightly serrated edge, with age it acquires a wide crown shape.

A sweet variety of almonds (P. dulcis var. dulcis) has long been bred for the sake of delicious seeds.

Bitter almond seeds (P. dulcis var. amara) are bitter in taste and poisonous.

Cultivation

Almonds are grown in the open ground, widely cultivated as a valuable nut-bearing (up to 60% oil in the fruit) and ornamental crop, in addition, they are used as a rootstock for peaches and apricots. Almonds can also be planted in hedges. Almonds grow mainly in southern areas, although they are considered a relatively hardy species. The exception is varieties characterized by late flowering. Another important factor is the low level of precipitation during the flowering period. Almonds do not like transplanting, so it is advisable to immediately place the seedlings on a permanent planting site, and fruit trees are grafted in the spring to a 2-3-year-old rootstock. Almonds prefer dry, light soil, rich in calcium, and absolutely do not tolerate wet and acidic, in which they suffer from loss of foliage. The plant likes top dressing with both organic (2-3 kg per plant) and mineral fertilizers, most often superphosphate is applied in the amount of 40-50 g per plant when planting. In the future, the same amount is applied superficially annually in early spring due to the fact that phosphorus has a favorable effect on the almond crop. When growing almonds, they are usually allowed to develop naturally, sometimes trees are pruned and shaped into vases. Pruning to increase yield is usually limited to removing dry, damaged, and unsightly branches. At the base of the trunk, tops are removed - non-fruit branches that draw nutrients from the plant.

Location

Almonds are light-loving and shade-tolerant, but still prefer a place in the open sun.

Temperature

Easily tolerates high and low air temperatures in the zone (belt) suitable for cultivation.

Watering

Almonds are a drought-resistant plant, so they are not watered much. Prefers fairly dry soils.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds and shoots. Seeds are sown in early spring immediately in the ground. Grown shoots are thinned out.

Diseases

Almonds are susceptible to the same diseases as other plants of the genus Prunus (Prunus), such as cherries and peaches. Ornamental almonds infect Monilinia fructicola, causing extensive browning of the foliage and drying of entire branches. The affected parts are cut out. Another problem is oidium, or powdery mildew of grapes, caused by Podosphaera oxycanthae. They get rid of it by treating the plants with sulfur and other fungicides designed to control oidium.

Acquisition

Almonds can be found in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. Plants are purchased in containers, which gives a great guarantee of survival. It is recommended to plant various varieties nearby.