Q. We have two almond trees and since they produce nuts we
assume that one is male and the other one female, although we do not know which
is which. However, one tree bears almost no nuts. I just checked and could find
only two nuts on the entire tree. The other tree is loaded with nuts. The two
trees were planted at the same time, eight or ten years ago. Can you explain
this disparity in production?
assume that one is male and the other one female, although we do not know which
is which. However, one tree bears almost no nuts. I just checked and could find
only two nuts on the entire tree. The other tree is loaded with nuts. The two
trees were planted at the same time, eight or ten years ago. Can you explain
this disparity in production?
A. Even though almond flowers contain both male and female
parts, some almonds require pollinators while a few others do not. Since you
did not tell me the varieties I am not sure which you have.
parts, some almonds require pollinators while a few others do not. Since you
did not tell me the varieties I am not sure which you have.
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| Almonds in bloom at the Orchard in North Las Vegas |
It is
possible that you have one almond tree which requires a pollinator while the
other one does not. In order for pollination to occur the flowers need to be
open at the same time. So if the almond flowers are not open at the same time
it is possible that the tree will get flowers with no nuts produced.
See if you
can find out what the variety is and let me know. Once I know that, I can tell
you a good pollinator to use. You probably do not want a third almond tree but
maybe you can talk to your neighbors into getting one.
can find out what the variety is and let me know. Once I know that, I can tell
you a good pollinator to use. You probably do not want a third almond tree but
maybe you can talk to your neighbors into getting one.
The other
option you have is to drive around town looking for another almond tree in
bloom at the same time you’re nutless almond is blooming. If you can find one
in bloom at the same time, see if you can convince them to let you cut a few
branches from their tree to supply pollen for yours.
option you have is to drive around town looking for another almond tree in
bloom at the same time you’re nutless almond is blooming. If you can find one
in bloom at the same time, see if you can convince them to let you cut a few
branches from their tree to supply pollen for yours.
Immediately
after cutting the branches, put them in a bucket of water directly beneath the
nutless tree. This bouquet of almond flowers, providing it is a different
variety, can act as a source of pollen for your tree. Otherwise, get rid of the
nutless almond and put in Garden Prince or All in One almond variety which are
self-fertile.
after cutting the branches, put them in a bucket of water directly beneath the
nutless tree. This bouquet of almond flowers, providing it is a different
variety, can act as a source of pollen for your tree. Otherwise, get rid of the
nutless almond and put in Garden Prince or All in One almond variety which are
self-fertile.