Almonds grow on almond trees, which are small to medium-sized deciduous trees reaching about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) tall
. The process of almond growth involves several stages:
- Flowering and Pollination : In early spring, almond trees produce fragrant white to pale pink flowers. These flowers are pollinated primarily by honeybees, which is essential for fruit development
- Fruit Development : After pollination, the tree starts producing fruit called drupes, which resemble a peach or plum. Inside the fleshy outer hull of the drupe is a hard shell containing the almond seed (the edible nut)
- Maturation : From March to June, the almond kernel inside the shell matures and grows to full size. The shell hardens, and the outer hull becomes dry and splits open when the almond is ripe, exposing the shell
- Harvesting : Once mature, the almonds are harvested, typically in late summer or early autumn, about 7 to 8 months after flowering
Almond trees thrive in Mediterranean climates with long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They require some chilling hours (temperatures below 45°F or 7°C) to break dormancy and bloom properly but are sensitive to frost and wet conditions during flowering
. The trees are adaptable to various soil types but grow best in light, fertile, well-drained soils. They are drought-tolerant but need consistent irrigation for optimal yield, especially in dry climates
. In summary, almonds grow on trees that flower in early spring, develop fruit drupes containing the nut, which matures over several months before harvest in late summer or autumn
