Growing almonds in the UK can present many challenges, but our detailed guide for beginners will aid you along the way.
Almonds, the edible seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree, are not only a nutritious snack but also a delight to grow, especially in the UK’s variable climate. These deciduous trees, adorned with stunning blossoms before even showing the nuts, thrive in mild winters and warm summers, similar to Mediterranean regions.
Growing almonds in the UK can be a rewarding venture, made more feasible with polytunnels (preferably commercial polytunnels, since the larger size will compensate for the almond tree length). These structures offer controlled environments, protecting the trees from harsh weather and extending the polytunnel growing season, making almond cultivation a practical pursuit even in less-than-ideal British weather conditions. In this article, you will learn about how do almonds grow, including sowing, planting, harvesting, and much more, with the aid of a polytunnel.
Follow our detailed guide on saving seeds, suitable for various trees and plants.
Top 5 Tips for Growing Almond Trees
1. Selecting the Right Location
For successful almond growing in the UK, choose a location that receives full sun. Almond trees thrive in well-lit areas. If space is limited, consider a dwarf variety that can flourish in a large pot.
2. Choosing the Right Variety
Opt for a self-pollinating almond tree to avoid the need for multiple trees for pollination. This choice is crucial for gardeners with limited space, ensuring a fruitful harvest even with a single tree.
3. Protecting Your Trees
To safeguard your almonds from birds, use netting. This protection keeps your hard-earned crop secure, ensuring that you, rather than the local wildlife, enjoy the fruits of your labour.
4. Understanding Growth and Harvest Time
Almond trees typically begin to yield nuts three years after planting. The harvest season in the UK is from February to April when the nuts mature and the fruit begins to split, signalling it is time to harvest.
5. Essential Shopping List
- Bare-rooted or potted almond tree
- Premium soil improver, such as Scotts Osmocote® Compost
- Controlled-release fertiliser like Scotts Osmocote® All Purpose
- For pot growth, use a specific Citrus & Fruit Potting Mix
- Garden spade
- Mulch
- Secateurs
- Wildlife-safe netting
Browse our top choices of native trees for seasonal colour.
When To Grow Almond Trees
Almond tree branches have numerous small, bowl-shaped flowers, usually pale pink to white, appearing in late winter or early spring. Following this floral display, dark green, serrated leaves emerge. By summer, the tree produces green fruits that encase the nuts, maturing by autumn. For successful growth in the UK, positioning is crucial; almond trees prosper in mild winters and warm summers, with fan-trained variants against south-facing walls being a suitable alternative for heat retention.
Follow this detailed table for sowing, planting, and harvesting your almonds.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sow/plant outdoors | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |||||||||
| Harvesting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Growing Almonds from Seed
From Seed to Tree
While it’s feasible to grow almond trees from seed, for those growing almonds in the UK, starting with a sapling is more reliable. Almond seeds require cross-pollination to produce nut-bearing trees. Therefore, unless you have ample space for multiple trees to ensure cross-pollination, beginning with a sapling is the best choice.
Ideal Climate for Almond Trees
Almonds traditionally flourish in Mediterranean climates, during dry, hot summers and rainy winters, yet are frost-sensitive. In the UK, creating a conducive environment, especially in areas with milder winters and warm summers, is crucial for almond growth. Utilising polytunnels can simulate these ideal conditions, offering adjustable climates to manage temperature and protect the trees from the UK’s unpredictable weather. If you would prefer to grow almonds outdoors, we recommend protecting the crop with fruit cages to protect from any pests such as birds.
Purchasing Almond Trees
Selecting the Right Tree
Nurseries and garden centres often provide a variety of almond trees, especially container-grown ones, ideal for the UK’s climate. Look for fruit tree specialists that offer almond varieties that are suitable for fruit production. Purchasing during their dormant season is recommended for easier transportation.
Pollination Partners
Some almond varieties require a pollination partner to bear fruit, while others are self-fertile. Before purchasing, verify if the chosen variety needs a companion tree for successful pollination.
Where to Buy
Renowned nurseries like Thompson & Morgan, Primrose, and Crocus offer a range of almond trees suitable for UK gardens. These suppliers provide quality trees that can adapt well to the British climate.
How To Grow Almond Trees In The UK
Preparing the Soil
For almond trees to flourish, begin with 20 inches of well-cultivated topsoil. The soil should be loose and crumbly, enriched with well-rotted leaf mould or lawn clippings and a liberal amount of bonemeal. Preparing the ground a few weeks before planting allows the soil to settle, creating an ideal environment for the roots to establish.
Planting
Plant almond trees in a location that avoids frost pockets and provides room for growth. The best time to plant an almond tree is in autumn, allowing it to establish before spring. Ensure consistent watering during the first year’s dry periods and apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Remember, some almond trees require a companion for pollination, so plan your space accordingly.
For container-grown trees, planting can occur year-round. Dig a hole wide enough for the root spread, set the root ball at soil level, firm the soil around it, water thoroughly, and mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
Choosing the Right Spot
Almond trees need a sunny spot, protected from harsh winds. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Early blossoming means they should be shielded from frost-prone areas. In the UK’s cooler regions, consider growing almond trees against a sun-warmed wall to protect them from frost and stimulate early growth.
How To Harvest Almonds
You should harvest almonds when the fruit capsules begin to split, usually in mid-autumn, indicating ripeness. After harvesting, dry the fruits on a sunny windowsill to ease nut extraction. This drying process improves the flavour and allows the nuts to be removed with ease from their capsules.
Caring for Almond Trees in the UK
Due to the unique growing conditions that almond trees require when learning how do almonds grow, it is important to care for these appropriately in the UK.
Regular Maintenance
In the first year, regular watering during dry spells will help the almond tree’s roots grow deep and strong. Remove grass and weeds from around the tree’s base to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture. An annual application of well-rotted compost, about 5-8cm thick, around the tree’s base will support healthy growth.
Fertilising
Start fertilising in spring when the tree resumes active growth. Young almond trees benefit from regular applications of nitrogen fertiliser throughout the growing season, while mature trees require less. After the tree begins fruiting, a one-time application of two pounds of urea will suffice for its nutrient needs.
Post-Harvest Care
After harvest, continuing to provide water and nutrients ensures the tree’s health and productivity for the next season. This post-harvest period is critical for the tree to rebuild carbohydrates and prepare for the next growth cycle. Ensure adequate irrigation and apply 20–25% of the tree’s annual nitrogen requirement post-harvest to support root growth and bud formation. If you’re wanting to store the harvested almonds outside, we recommend using a cover such as a mini polytunnel kit.
Pruning
Pruning should be minimal, focusing on removing dead or diseased branches during the tree’s dormant period in winter.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for diseases like peach leaf curl and canker, common in almond trees.
For peach leaf curl, remove affected leaves to control the spread.
In frost-prone areas, protect the tree during winter with mulch or burlap to prevent bud damage.
Overwintering and Problem Solving
Frost can damage early blossoms, so place the tree in a sheltered location to minimise risk. During winter, the tree requires little maintenance but you should protect it from severe frosts to ensure the health of the blossoms and fruiting potential for the following season. Regular monitoring and maintenance will address issues like disease spread and environmental stress, keeping your almond tree healthy and productive.
Varieties of Almonds to Grow
- Prunus dulcis ‘Sultane’: This variety showcases early blossoms in pink, leading to the production of sweet almonds with soft shells.
- Prunus dulcis ‘Robijn’: Recognised for its striking pink blossoms, ‘Robijn’ is somewhat resistant to peach leaf-curl. It is self-fertile, yet having another tree nearby can improve its yield.
- Prunus dulcis ‘Ingrid’: Features delicate pale pink flowers in the spring. It can self-pollinate but benefits from a companion to increase fruit production.
- ‘Garden Prince’: A compact, self-pollinating almond tree that reaches a height of 10 to 12 feet. It prefers warmer climates and is suitable for up to zone 8, requiring protection in colder areas.
Grow Your Own Almonds
In summary, knowing how to grow almonds requires thorough understanding the specific needs of almond trees, from selecting the right variety and preparing the soil to providing ongoing care and protection. With the addition of polytunnels, you can effectively provide the right conditions for an almond tree to grow in. With patience and attention to detail, gardeners can enjoy the rewarding experience of growing almonds.
Still unconvinced about growing your own almonds? Take a look at the health benefits of almonds.
FAQs
Can almonds be grown in the UK?
Yes, almonds can be grown in the UK, particularly in the milder and sunnier areas of South and East England.
How long do almonds take to grow?
Almond trees take about 5 to 6 years to produce their first crop of nuts after planting, with full production reached after 10 to 12 years.
Is growing almonds easy?
Growing almonds can be challenging due to their specific needs for climate, soil type, and water, making them more suitable for experienced gardeners.
Where do almond trees grow best?
Almond trees grow best in Mediterranean climates with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, requiring well-drained soil and full sun.
Is growing almonds hard?
Yes, growing almonds can be hard, particularly outside of their ideal Mediterranean climate, as they are sensitive to frost and require careful management of water, pests, and diseases.
Where do almonds grow in the UK?
In the UK, almonds are primarily grown in the warmer regions of South and East England, where the climate is more conducive to their growth.
Can almond trees be grown in a polytunnel?
Yes, almond trees can be grown in a polytunnel, which can help protect them from harsh weather and extend the growing season, although they still require ample space and the right soil conditions to thrive.
Sources
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The Pot Place (n.d.). Westland Citrus Potting Mix 8 Litres. Available at: https://www.thepotplace.co.uk/product/westland-citrus-potting-mix-8-litres/ [accessed 14/03/24]
Thompson & Morgan (n.d.). Available at: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/ [accessed 14/03/24]
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Ratcliffe, J., (2021) 26 Almond recipes. Olive Magazine. [online] Available at: https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/collection/best-almond-recipes/ [accessed 14/03/24]
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