How to grow Almond in Australia
A Mediterranean tree that suits Adelaide, Perth and the drier inland. Needs cold winters to set and a dry spring so the blossom is not spoiled by rain.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 12 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 600 cm
- Time to harvest: 1460 days (about 4 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | Not suited | Not reliable in SEQ. Too little winter chill, and spring storms spoil the blossom. |
| Northern Rivers NSW | Not suited | Not reliable. Too little winter chill, and wet springs spoil the blossom. Almonds want a cold winter and a dry spring. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | June to August | Western Sydney only. Humid coastal springs spoil the blossom and bring fungal disease. Plant bare root Jun to Aug in the driest, sunniest spot. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | June to August | |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Not reliable. Blossom opens in late winter and is lost to frost and rain, so nuts rarely set. |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | Plant bare root Jun to Aug. Almonds flower in August, so frost often takes the blossom in cold pockets; choose a late flowering variety and a sheltered slope. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Almonds need winter chill and a dry spring. The tropics offer neither. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Almonds need winter chill and a dry spring. Darwin has neither. |
Harvest and storage
Storage
Dry in shell for months in a cool spot.