Almond ledebour fire hill. Types, varieties, planting and care of decorative almonds. California almonds - a nut crop

This culture has been grown since the 4th millennium BC. In total, there are 40 types of almonds, 3 of them grow in Russia, the rest in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

The species of this plant are propagated by seeds, varieties - by grafting, cuttings, shoots, layering.

Modern varieties are adapted to the climatic features of a particular region, so deciding to grow this useful and beautiful tree, you should choose the most suitable variety.

Despite its resistance to frost, due to the early flowering of almonds, flower buds, flowers and ovaries can freeze at low temperatures in early spring. For this reason, for planting in the northern latitudes, it is recommended to choose specimens with a long and stable dormant period of generative buds, late flowering periods and high palatability of fruits. Below are winter-hardy varieties of almonds.

One of the most unpretentious and winter-hardy varieties is "Nikitinsky 62". It is a shrub up to 5 m high. The bark on the trunk and branches is gray-brown, gray at the end of the shoots. The leaves are large, hanging. Flowers 4.5 cm in diameter, white-pink. The fruits are large, flat, wide, with a wrinkled surface, dark brown. Sweet taste. The variety is suitable for growing in all regions, as it has a stable winter rest period, high yields, and its flowering occurs in mid-April. The variety is self-sterile. Dessert and Languedoc are used as pollinators.

"Papershell"- resistant to spring frosts. Reaches a height of 4-5 m. Its flowering occurs in late March - early April. The flowers are white, the edges of the petals are crimson, 3 cm in diameter. The fruits are large, 4 cm long, with a paper shell. The kernels are light brown, rough, sweet.

"Seaside"- has a stable dormant period. It is a tree up to 3.5 m high. Its crown has a fan-shaped shape and a flattened top. The branches are thick, short, densely leafy. The bark of the trunk and shoots is gray-brown, the annual branches are green. The leaves are large, lanceolate, green, shiny. The flowers are medium in size, with white-pink petals. Flowering in mid-April. The best pollinators: "Dessert", "Alenik" and others. The fruits are elongated, pointed at the end, with a round base. Ripens in November. The yield of the Primorsky variety is high.

"Dessert"— differs in the increased resistance to frosts of flower buds. Reaches 4.5 m in height. The crown is dense, spherical. The ends of the shoots are thin, hanging down. The bark of the trunk and branches is grey. The leaves are lanceolate, with a wedge-shaped base, arranged horizontally. The flowers look like roses. Flowering early to mid April. The fruits are oval, slightly pointed, with a soft, rough shell, easily separated from the core. The kernel is oval, yellowish-brown, with a thin skin, with a sweet, oily taste. The fruits ripen in September. Varieties - pollinators: "Primorsky", "Spicy". Productivity is high, annual.

To the most frost-resistant species almonds include pedunculate almonds. It has small fruits of good taste and high yield. This type of almond is widespread in Russia. It is a short branched shrub with short shoots, reaching up to 2 m in height. It has wedge-shaped leaves of medium size. The fruits are pointed on top, slightly pubescent, contain a stone with a rough surface.

Southern varieties are designed for growing in warm climates. As a rule, they do not tolerate low temperatures and spring frosts.

Almond "Petunnikova"- undersized shrub no more than 1 m high. The crown is spherical, compact, 0.8 m wide. Pink flowers of this plant bloom in May. Flowering lasts 12-14 days. Comes from 3 years of age. Fruits are orange or light brown, small, round, pubescent. It starts fruiting 5 years after planting. The tree is warm. In winter, the ends of annual shoots often freeze slightly.

"Yalta"- a medium-sized tree up to 4 m high. Gives annual, plentiful harvests. The nuts are large, oval, pointed at the end and rounded at the base. The shell is smooth, brown. The kernels are light brown, oily, sweet, with a pleasant aroma. Late blooming variety. Flower buds are sensitive to low temperatures.

"Fragrant"- shrub 3-4 m high. Nuts are large, weighing 3.5 g. The shell is light brown, with an uneven surface. The kernel is yellow-brown, oily, sweet, tightly attached to the shell. Flowering time is late.

"Reems"- medium or vigorous tree. Brings regular, good harvests. Fruits are oval or rounded, weighing 3 g. The shell is dense, rusty brown. The kernel is large, brown, oily, with high taste qualities. Seeds of this variety ripen in mid-late October.

California almonds - a nut crop

The California almond is widely distributed in California, where it is the most popular nut crop. In total, there are 25 of its varieties, each of which has its own distinctive features. Some of them are described below.

"Nonpareil"- early maturation. Nuts of a light yellow shade, with a smooth surface. The shell is soft, dark brown, easily separated from the core.

Carmel- ripens a month later than the variety "Nonpareil". Medium-sized nuts, narrow, smooth, with a soft, whole shell.

"Butte"- a variety of medium ripening period. The nuts are small, round, with a rough surface. The shell is soft, easily separated from the core.

"Padre"- average maturity. The nuts are short, wide, dark brown, with a wrinkled surface. The shell is hard, there is no opening of the seam.

Mission — late deadline maturation. The nuts are wide, short, wrinkled, with a strong aroma. The shell is hard, smooth, there is no opening of the seam.

Monterey- late maturity. The nuts are large, long, narrow, with a surface dotted with deep wrinkles. The shell is hard, smooth, with a small seam opening.

Sonora- average maturity. Nuts are large, long, smooth. The shell is paper, with a bumpy surface and a good opening of the seam.

Common almond - shrub up to 6 meters in height

The common almond is a shrub reaching up to 6 m in height. The bark of the trunk and skeletal branches is gray-brown, young shoots are red-brown. The leaves are oval, lanceolate, narrow, with a pointed apex, alternate, serrate-toothed along the edge. Attached to a long petiole. On short branches they form in bunches. The flowers are large, grow singly, develop on last year's shoots, the petals are light pink, the calyx and stalk are pubescent. The flowers bloom before the leaves. Common almond blossoms in warm regions in late February - early March.

The fruit is an oblong, unequal ovoid drupe 3 cm long. The pericarp is thin, dry. Ripens in June.

This type almond is very popular among gardeners for its decorative effect and high palatability of the fruit. During the flowering period, it looks very impressive, resembling a huge ball strewn with pink flowers.

In Russia, this crop is grown in the Crimea, the Caucasus and Krasnodar Territory. This plant is demanding on light, but grows equally well in any soil. Does not tolerate stagnant moisture and the proximity of groundwater.

Pink and three-bladed almonds and his photo

pink almond(photo above) - a sprawling shrub up to 5 m high. In another way, it is called three-lobed almonds or three-bladed Louisiana. The homeland of this culture is Northern China. The crown is wide, vertical, about 2 m wide. The shoots are dark brown. The leaves are broadly elliptical, alternate, sharp, three-lobed, dark green above, gray below, 6 cm long. Distinctive feature of this type of almond are dark pink, double flowers resembling roses, which form in pairs along the entire length of the shoot, which gives the tree an unusual, attractive appearance during the flowering period. Flowering occurs in May, lasts 14-20 days. The fruits are small drupes 1 cm long, with a dry hard shell.

This culture, unlike other types of almonds, is quite whimsical. Prefers sandy, loamy, loose, light soils. During the flowering period, it needs a lot of moisture. For growing this plant, an open sunny place, protected from wind and drafts, is suitable. Pink almond tolerates frost well, but flower buds can sometimes be damaged. In order for a tree to successfully overwinter, it is necessary to provide it with a layer of snow cover. In this case, it will withstand frosts down to -30 ° C.

A photo of a three-lobed almond proves that this culture is a real decoration of the garden. Spectacular shrub can be planted singly and in group plantings. During the flowering period, it harmoniously looks against the background. Flowering branches are cut for a long time.

Undersized steppe shrub wild almond

Wild or steppe almond grows wild in the steppe zone and the European part of Russia, as well as in Central Asia. Often settles on ravines and beams. It is a low-growing shrub 1-1.5 m high. It has a dense, spherical crown with straight branches. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, smooth, serrated along the edge, dark green above, lighter below. The flowers are small, pink, bloom at the same time as the leaves. Flowering is plentiful, comes in May. Lasts 2-3 weeks.

The fruits are oval-shaped drupes, 2 cm long, with slight pubescence. The stone is flattened, with longitudinal furrows.

The shrub is photophilous, winter- and drought-resistant. Lives up to 80 years.

Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a shrub crop belonging to the subgenus Almond (Amygdalus) in the genus Plum. The plant looks very impressive and decorative, therefore it is often grown by domestic gardeners in home gardens.

How different types and varieties of almonds look and bloom

The Rose family includes several species that have petiolate and lanceolate leaves with a long pointed apex. Single flowers have white or light pink petals, numerous stamens and one pistil. Medium sized flower with a slight almond fragrance.

Flowering occurs before the leaves open. Both mountain wild and cultivated flowering shrubs look very attractive. The fruit, which many perceive as a nut, is a dry and velvety-pubescent oval single drupe with a leathery and fleshy green pericarp.

How to plant almonds with a bone (video)

The variety "Pink Foam" is grown in middle lane Russia and the Moscow region as ornamental plant, which can serve as a very beautiful living decor for any garden and personal plot.Such a plant is cultivated quite often and purely for practical purposes. The presence of a superficial root system helps to strengthen soils on slopes, which helps prevent landslides.

Amygdalus georgica Desf. - shrub about a meter tall, with large leaves. Blooms in large bright pink flowers in May, and the fruits ripen around September. By the winter period, the shoots are well lignified, therefore frost resistance sufficient for cultivation in many regions.

Compact shrub plant or small tree with a double and spreading crown shape. Height does not exceed three meters. A feature is the presence of regular, lanceolate, with serrated edges of dark green foliage.

In April, large double flowers appear, which have a pink color. The fruits are represented by a rounded drupe. For the growth and development of a light-loving and frost-resistant plant, exceptionally well-drained, fertile soils are needed.

Steppe almond (low, bean)

Amygdalus nana L. - bean, or steppe almond. It is a low-growing shrub with erect branches and a loose, slightly branched crown. The shoots are covered with reddish-gray bark. Foliage lanceolate or oval-lanceolate. Flowers pink or light pink. Bobovnik blooms in late April or early May, but is characterized by weak fruiting. It is recommended to plant in clumps on the edges of park and forest parks. and for the purpose of sodding slopes.

Common almond bitter and sweet (A.communis L.) - a small tree or branchy shrub with dark brown or almost black bark on the trunk and grayish-brown or reddish-brown shoots. The foliage is lanceolate, narrowly elliptical, with a pointed apical part and a wedge-shaped base.

The plant is characterized by long petioles. The leaves are alternate, collected in bunches on shortened branches. The edges of the leaves are serrate-toothed. The flowers are large, solitary type, represented by snow-white or light pink petals, as well as numerous stamens. Flowering in March or April before the leaves open. Fruit ripening occurs in June or July.

Ledebour's almond (A.ledebouriana Schlecht.) is a shrub no more than one and a half meters high, with a spreading, transparent and loose crown. The shoots are covered with reddish-gray bark. The foliage is narrow-lanceolate. Flowers of pink coloration.

The homeland of this species is the territory of the Western Tien Shan. This is a dwarf culture with a crown with a diameter of up to 80 cm and a height of the aerial part of no more than a meter. Fruiting occurs in the sixth year. The formed fruits have a reddish color, covered with a thick velvety peel.

This variety was bred by breeders of the State Nikitsky Botanical Garden as a result of crossing the Nikitsky-62 almond variety with the Nikitsky-1 variety. They belong to varieties of medium early ripening. Varietal features are a stable dormant period and late flowering. The plant belongs to the category of medium-sized. Forms a dense and spherical, well leafy crown. Very rarely affected by pests or diseases.

Decorative almond in landscape design

Most often, a beaver is used in the decor of household territories. Such a plant can be used not only in single, but also in group plantings. Looks very impressive and original. decorative culture against the backdrop of lawns and various conifers. A very good result is the design of rocky gardens in oriental style with almonds. Quite often, a crop is planted in order to fix slopes that are prone to shedding or sliding.

A characteristic feature of the culture is the rather rapid death of all aging shoots, as well as their replacement by root offspring formed in large numbers. The result of such specific features becomes the formation of powerful and fairly wide clumps even around separately grown bushes.

In order to preserve the decorative attractiveness of curtains for a long time, shoots that are more than seven to eight years old must be periodically removed. Most good feedback gardeners in the middle zone of our country have now received such varieties as "Anyuta", "White Sail", "Dream", "Pink Fog" And "Pink flamingo".

How to grow decorative almonds (video)

Features of planting almonds in the garden

Almonds are among the light-loving, drought-resistant and heat-tolerant, as well as relatively winter-hardy crops, so they grow best in elevated areas. With proper care and correct location, even seedlings of such a garden crop are able to withstand frosts up to 23-25 ​​° C. However, frosts in the spring can be detrimental to flowers, and to reduce the risk of damage to flower buds, crops should not be planted in lowlands and in areas with stagnation of cold air masses.

Planting in spring or autumn is recommended annual seedlings. Landing pits are required to be arranged according to the scheme 7 × 5m or 7 × 4m. When planting, it is very necessary to carry out a slight deepening of the vaccination site. Absolutely all varieties and types of almonds need cross-pollination, therefore, the main variety alternates with a number of pollinators.

Outdoor almond care

Growing such a shrub in a backyard or suburban area does not require a lot of labor from the gardener, but it will still take some effort to get a crop.

Feeding and watering

The soil in the area around the plants during the entire growing season must be kept under black fallow, as well as regular loosening. Irrigation activities are carried out as necessary. In late autumn, it is recommended to make organic fertilizers in the form of manure, compost and bird droppings, as well as phosphorus-potassium complexes. Any nitrogen-containing top dressing is made only until June.

Technology and timing of pruning

Directly after planting in the spring, annual seedlings need to be shortened at a height of 80-120 cm, which will make it possible to form a stem 60-80 cm high and a crown 30-40 cm high. It is necessary to leave three or four skeletal branches of the first order.

In about four years, subject to the pruning technology, it is possible to form a cupped crown. In the future, sanitary and maintenance or thinning pruning is carried out.

Frost protection

In too severe or little snowy winters, the plant may freeze slightly. flower buds or shoot tips. In preparation for winter, the apical part of the shoots is tweezed, which allows them to accelerate their lignification. Young seedlings need to be covered winter period straw, dry foliage or non-woven fabric to a height of 10-15 cm from the ground.

It is important to ensure that the root neck does not rot under the snow mass. mature plant, as a rule, winters well even without the use of shelter.

Disease prevention and pest control

With a leaflet, you need to fight with 0.15-0.3% chlorophos. You can protect the plant from plum codling moth by spraying karbofos or chlorophos three times. The plum bark beetle can be destroyed with a lime-clay mortar with the addition of wood glue or bustilate. Prevention of diseases is carried out with Bordeaux liquid or colloidal aqueous suspension of sulfur.

How to cut almonds (video)

The almond is the closest relative of the garden plum but is much more commonly used in decorative design adjoining territory or country landscape. A flowering crop with beautiful fragrant flowers, reminiscent of a peach tree, and undemanding care allows even inexperienced gardeners to grow it.

Almond is a tree or shrub. It belongs to the Plum and Rose family.

Many people mistakenly believe that almonds are nuts. However, it refers to cultures with a stone fruit.

decorative tree looks beautiful at their summer cottage, which is why many gardeners acquire this amazing plant.

In early spring or late autumn, almonds are planted. Caring for an ornamental plant in the open field is not difficult, but it has some features.

By providing the plant with the right care and conditions for development, you can grow healthy decorative almonds, which will decorate the site for several years.

The almond shrub is able to grow up to 2 or 3 m in height, at the same time the almond tree is much taller, it reaches 4-6 m.

The root system of the plant has 3-5 skeletal roots that penetrate deep into the soil.

The shrub or tree has pointed dark green leaves that grow on brown petioles.

A distinctive feature of almonds is that they bloom very early, starting around March. The flowers of this original plant are white or Pink colour, the fruit is a drupe.

Common almonds are grown for their fruits.

This species is subdivided into wild (bitter) almonds and sweet. The first type contains hydrocyanic acid.

Sweet almond is a popular plant among gardeners.

This plant is not an ornamental, but it is often grown on an industrial scale for medicinal fruits that have a high nutritional value.

Ornamental almonds are grown as a group planting or single plant.

You can also find almonds planted like a living hedge.

This amazing plant pleases the eye with its numerous flowers of white, red, pink or purple. Decorative almonds fell in love with gardeners for their original appearance.

Low almond (steppe, bean)

Low almonds are also called steppe or bean.

It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 1.5 m in height.

The branches of the steppe almond are straight with gray bark. The leaves of the shrub are narrow leathery.

On the wrong side, they are pale green, and on the front they have a bright green tint.

The flowers of this type of almond are light pink. Flowering continues for 7-10 days.

Among the most popular varieties of low almonds are:

• Dream;
• Anyuta;
• Pink flamingo;
• White sail.

Georgian

Georgian almonds can be seen growing on the edges or slopes.

The Caucasian variety of the shrub is highly resistant to cold.

This allows you to grow almonds in the suburbs.

The plant outwardly is a shrub about 1 m high with longer leaves and bigger size flowers, unlike steppe almonds, although they are very similar in appearance.

Terry

Terry almonds in central Russia are grown only as an ornamental plant.

In this species, the flowers are beautiful terry, delicate pink.

Ledebour

In nature, Ledebour's almonds can be found in the foothills of Altai.

This species grows very densely. The plant has dark green leaves.

Ledebour's almond blooms somewhat earlier than other species and varieties.

For 1.5-2 weeks you can enjoy beautiful flowering.

At this time, delightful pink flowers form on the shrub.

Petunnikova

The real handsome man of Central Asia is Petunnikov's almond.

A shrub with straight or splayed branches, it grows to a height of 1 m.

The shoots of Petunnikov's almonds are light yellow, the leaves are pointed, green, and the flowers are separate, have pink shade.

three-bladed

Three-lobed almond is a beautiful tree, reaching a height of about 3 m. Its crown is spreading.

The leaves are three-lobed, which is why it got its name. Almond flowers are found different color. They grow in pairs on stems.

Three-lobed almonds come in different varieties, differing in terms of ripening, the size of the flowers and their color.

It is this species that has a huge number of hybrids. Among the most beautiful and popular varieties are the following:

• Tanyusha - differs in twisted leaves and double flowers;
• Svitlana - a beautiful variety with delicate light flowers, created by Ukrainian breeders;
• Ruslana is a hybrid with flesh-colored flowers that change color to white over time;
• Chinese woman - a variety with delicate light pink flowers;
• Hybrid No. 3 - great during flowering, which is similar to cherry blossom.

Dessert almond

Dessert almonds grow beautifully in central Russia. This species tolerates frost very well. The kernels of such almonds are very tasty sweet and oily.

When and where is the best time to plant almonds

To achieve the best result in growing almonds, it is recommended to choose annual seedlings.

It is best to plant plants in open ground in early March or in autumn - at the end of November.

The main thing in this matter is to pay attention to the fact that the site is protected from strong gusts of wind and drafts.

When planting trees, you need to know some of the nuances:

• prepare a pit for planting almonds in advance, about 2 weeks in advance;
• dig a hole, the diameter of which will be 50-70 cm, the depth - 60-70 cm;
• when planting in groups, leave a distance of 3-4 m between individual seedlings, while leaving 5-6 m between rows;
• Pour crushed stone or gravel at the bottom of the hole.

In order for a tree to develop well, it needs nutrients.

You can provide them with almonds if you properly prepare fertile soil. To do this, mix:

• 3 pieces of land;
• 1 part sand;
• 2 parts of humus;
• 5 kg of rotted manure;
• 0.5 kg of superphosphate.

Please note that if the soil is too acidic, dolomite flour must be added. If it was not at hand, flour can be replaced with lime.

Correct fit almond looks like this:

1. In the center of the pit, a support is dug in, the height of which should be 1-1.5 m.
2. Then they build a mound of earth around it.
3. After that, the seedling is stirred so that the root neck is about 3-5 cm above the ground line.
4. Next, the pit is covered with fertile soil, carefully rammed.
5. Water the hole thoroughly.
6. At the final stage, the seedling is carefully tied to a support and the soil is mulched so as not to damage it. As mulch, it is best to use dry leaves or peat.

If for some reason it was not possible to plant almonds in the fall, this can be done in the spring. The main thing is to prepare a pit for planting in the fall.

Reproduction of almonds

When propagating almonds, you need to know some features.

The fact is that species almonds can be obtained by growing seeds, and varietal - only by layering, shoots or grafting.

Growing almonds from seed

Almond seeds are sown in spring or autumn. When sowing in the spring, the seeds must be prepared in advance.

To do this, they need to be placed in a cool room with a low positive temperature.

Ideal conditions for this - a shelf for vegetables in the refrigerator. Soak the seeds in this way for at least 4 months.

Barbs are made in the soil with a depth of 7-10 cm.

The distance between the seeds is left at least 10-13 cm.

The distance between the furrows is 50 cm.

As soon as the first shoots appear, you need to provide them with proper care.

It consists in regular watering, weeding and loosening the soil to saturate it with oxygen.

When the seedling reaches a height of 50 cm, and its thickness is 1 cm, it is necessary to cut off all the branches growing at a height of up to 10 cm into a ring.

Pay attention to how to do this correctly, as many gardeners often make mistakes when doing this. It will be possible to plant almonds as soon as the seedling gets sick and adapts to new conditions.

almond graft

It is recommended to choose frost-resistant rootstocks for grafting. Best of all, almonds grow on rootstocks of plum, bird cherry, cherry plum.

Pay attention to the scion. It should be straight, with developed stems with eyes.

It is necessary to remove all leaves with a secateurs, leaving only petioles 1 cm long. As for the time, you can graft during the period of sap flow. It happens in spring or August.

Grafting process:

1. Dust, dirt are removed from the rootstock and rubbed with a damp cloth.
2. A T-shaped incision is made slightly above the root collar. For this, there is a special budding knife.
3. Gently cut the bark apart.
4. Cut off the shield from the scion.
5. Next, the shield is placed in the incision in such a way that it enters completely there. That is why it is better not to make the shield too long.
6. After that, the shield is pressed with the incised edges of the bark and fixed with adhesive tape, plaster.

At spring vaccination after 15 days, the petiole falls off by itself. If the vaccination was in August, then the adhesive tape or patch is left until next autumn.

cuttings

For propagation of almonds by cuttings, planting material is harvested in the first month of summer.

Semi-lignified cuttings should have at least 2 knots, while the length of the petioles varies from 15 to 20 cm. Planting material is placed in the ground.

Rooting occurs in 20-30 days. As a rule, 85-100% of cuttings take root.

How to propagate by shoots

To increase the number of root shoots, you need to do a strong pruning.

In order for the offspring to take root well, it must have a developed root system. As a rule, this occurs in the second year of development.

layering

For propagation by layering, it is necessary to dig a trench. Next mark on the bottom long stem, secure with pins.

From above you need to sprinkle with earth. Throughout the period when the roots will develop, it is necessary to regularly water the trench. Rooting lasts for 1 year.

Features of care in the open field

Plant care includes the usual procedures that are common to all fruit trees.

Thus, it is necessary to water the plant in a timely manner, loosen, fertilize, and not delay pruning.

An important point in caring for a tree is considered to be preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.

Feeding and watering

Mature plants are watered much less often. Tentatively, each tree can be watered every 20 days. In this case, you need to focus on weather conditions.

With a prolonged drought, watering can be increased, and during a rainy period, reduced.

An important point is loosening the soil around the tree. It is necessary for the active development of the plant.

Note! Almonds are very fond of top dressing. Fertilizer should be applied from the second year of seedling growth. In the spring, you can fertilize with ammonium nitrate or urea. In autumn, dig up superphosphate, potassium sulfide and rotted manure near the trunk.

cutting almonds

Pruning of almonds should be done before the buds begin to bloom. At this time, all dried, deformed and frozen branches are removed.

Formative pruning is carried out after flowering. In this case, you need to remove 3 poisons of skeletal branches:

1. In the first year of development, 3 branches are selected. They should be 15cm apart. These branches need to be cut to a length of 15 cm.
2. For 2 and 3 years, 3 tiers are formed at a distance of 20-30 cm.
3. Shoots, which are considered insignificant for the crown, pinch them. Do this all summer long.
4. The rest of the shoots are cut to 50 cm.
5. At the end, the center conductor must be shortened. This should be done in such a way that a distance of 60 m is obtained between it and the upper tier.

Anti-aging and sanitary pruning is carried out in the fall. All branches that thicken the tree are removed. Broken and damaged branches are also pruned.

It is worth remembering that when pruning thick branches, the cut point must be processed with garden pitch.

How almond blossoms

According to some sources, almond is translated from ancient Greek as "beautiful tree". And it really is. The almond blossoms are simply spectacular.

At this time, a huge number of flowers form on a tree or shrub, which simply “stick around” the entire plant. Flowers are white, pink, purple or red.

In regions with a warm climate, almonds bloom starting in January. In mid-latitudes, you can admire the most beautiful flowering in April-May.

For this amazing look, almonds are often planted for ornamental purposes.

Diseases and pests

The almond plant can suffer from the following diseases:

• Scab - leaves, shoots and flowers suffer from fungal disease;
• Rust - you can distinguish it by red spots on the leaves, which dry out and fall over time;
• Gray rot- you can recognize the disease by gray bloom and brown spots on the shoots;
• Cercosporosis - brown spots form on the leaves, over time, the center of the leaf dries out.

In any case, at the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to cut off all the affected shoots, leaves, and burn them.

Plants are best treated with fungicides. To do this, you need to choose dry, windless cloudy weather. The best drugs according to experienced gardeners are considered:

• Topaz;
• Champion;
• Oksikh.

Most often, almonds suffer from aphids, leafworms or spider mites. Preparations will help get rid of uninvited guests: Tagore, Fufanon or Fitoverm.

Experienced gardeners recommend that special attention be paid to preventive measures. It is much more difficult to cure a plant already affected by a disease or pests.

Prevention includes the following measures:

1. Before the appearance of buds in the spring, the trees must be treated with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.
2. Re-treatment must be done after the leaves fall.
3. Proper care is the most important thing in growing any plant. That is why you need to regularly water, loosen the soil, get rid of weeds, pruning in time.

Please note that you can remove the almonds when the shell becomes darker. At this time, it should easily separate from the core.

Remove the almonds only after the green outer shell darkens and begins to easily separate from the kernel.

Preparation for winter and wintering

To protect almonds from freezing, it must be prepared in winter. Young trees or shrubs are covered with dry foliage, straw.

However, mature plants tolerate cold well and do not require shelter. If the branches are still frozen, there is nothing to worry about.

In spring, the plant will quickly recover and come into shape.

For Moscow and the Moscow region, it is recommended to choose low, Ledebour, three-lobed or Georgian almonds.

There they will grow beautifully, delight the owners with their unique flowering. In Siberia, the climate is more severe, winters are frosty and long.

For this region the best option almonds will become low (steppe, bean).

An amazingly beautiful almond tree can be grown in any region of the country, the main thing is to ensure proper care.

We recommend to know: Name: the name "amygdala" named almonds in the 1st century AD. Columella. It has about 40 species growing in the countries of Eurasia and North America.

Description: deciduous shrubs, sometimes small trees with alternate, simple, lanceolate leaves, serrate along the edge; with abundant and very beautiful, large, solitary, pink or white flowers; fruits - rounded drupes with a dry, pubescent, drop-down pericarp and an easily separated stone with a perforated or furrowed surface. They bloom for 3-5 years.

Undemanding to the soil, salt- and drought-resistant, respond well to soil liming, photophilous, easily tolerate city conditions. Grow fast.

The testing of species of the genus Amygdalus in the open field in the botanical garden of St. Petersburg began in the middle of the 18th century. from cultivation A. nana L , (= A. campestris Besser) (before 1766-2005; 1900-1939 - potted Arb.). A century later, two forms of A. nana were tested: f. alba S. K. Schneid. (1864-1865, 1873-1879, 1887, 1950-1963) and f. fl. pleno(1863-1867). In the 19th century the first attempts were made to grow 3 more species in the open field; Later on, these attempts were repeated several times: A. pedunculata Pall , (until 1852-?, 1863-1865, 1963-?, 1992-?), A. georgica Dosf. (1861-1862, 1870-1879; 1980-2005), A. communis L . (1879, 1908-1917, 1923-?, 1950-2005; 1873 - potted Arb.). 8 new species were first tested in the 50-60s. 20th century: A. ledebouriana Schlecht. (1949-2005; seeds from Altai; all subsequent plants in the park were grown from the offspring of the first specimen planted by scient. 129), A. petunnikowii Lithuania. (1951- 1963), A. bucharica Korsh. (1951-1956), A. spinosissima Bunge (1956-1962), A. x vavilovii Popov (A. communis x A. turcomantea, Lincz.) (1958-1967, 1974-1985), A. x kalmykovii Lincz. (A. communis x A. spinosissima) (1959-1963), A.mongolica Maxim. (1963-?), A. fenzliana (Fritsch) Lipsky (1964-1968).
In 1978, A. scoparia Spach And A. turcomanica Lincz . - they died in the very first winter, and they tried to grow the second species in the nursery back in 1956, and a negative result was also obtained.

According to the data of V. I. Lipsky and K. K. Meissner (1913/1915), Sadom was first introduced into the culture of A. bucharica, but probably in closed ground or potted arboretum (according to Reder - 1902).

Almonds are plants in which aging stems die off completely, gradually being replaced by root suckers that appear from the third year of the plant's life. At about the seventh year of life, the offspring begin to die off. Therefore, you should monitor the condition of the curtain, aging shoots in the presence of good shoots must be completely removed. Several highly decorative species deserve special attention.

Georgian almond- Amygdalus georgica Desf. = Prunus tenella Batsch Endem of the Caucasus. It grows on the slopes of mountains, in hollows and along the edges of the forest. Light-loving entomophile, mesophyte, microtherm, mesotroph. In culture in botanical gardens mainly in southern Europe. Shrub up to 1 m tall, similar in appearance to low almond, from which it differs more large leaves, up to 8 cm long, with larger bright pink flowers and bristly, hairy fruits. Blossoms in May, fruits ripen in September, fructifies from seven to nine years. Shoots by winter are completely lignified and easily tolerate frosts. A very promising view for landscaping. In GBS since 1951, 5 samples (7 copies) were grown from seeds obtained from Voronezh, there are plants of seed and vegetative reproduction of GBS. At 38 years old, height 2 m, crown diameter 150 cm. Vegetates from 29.IV ± 8 to 11.X ± 5 for 165 days. The growth rate is average. Blossoms from 3 years, from 17.V ± 7 to 27.V ± 9 for 10 days. Fruits in 7-9 years, fruits ripen on 9.IX ±15. Seed germination is low. 40% of cuttings take root when treated with a 0.01% IMC solution for 16 hours. It is less hardy, but in the conditions of Moscow and St. Petersburg it is quite stable, blooms and bears fruit. Can be used on a par with low almonds.

Almond Ledebourg- Amygdalus ledebouriana It grows in the foothills of Altai and Tarbagatai. It grows in the meadow steppe, in the foothills and low mountains, forms almonds. Restorative, irruptive, photophilous mesophyte, entomophile. In culture, it is grown in the botanical gardens of Minsk, St. Petersburg (where it showed high winter hardiness, abundant flowering and fruiting), Moscow, etc. In the Main Botanical Garden, it blooms in May, the fruits ripen in September. The leaves are large, dark green. The flowers are pink, the fruits are up to 4 cm long. It blooms earlier than many almonds, the duration of flowering in spring is 2-3 weeks. Seed grain size 96 - 100%. Fruits from 11 years old. Popular foreign variety "Fire Hill"- pink-red flowers, up to 3 cm in diameter, otherwise similar to Ledebour's almonds. It can be purchased from Bruns Pflanzen. In GBS since 1957, 9 samples (15 copies) were grown from seeds obtained from the botanical gardens of the Caucasus, Karaganda, Alma-Ata and reproductions of GBS. At 32, height 1.9 m, crown diameter 170 cm. Vegetates for 156 days from 28.IV ± 8 to 1.X ± 5. Average growth rate. Blossoms from 3 years, from 13.V ± 5 to 22.V ± 7 for 9 days. It bears fruit from the age of 11, the fruits ripen 5.IX ± 12. Seed germination is average. 57% of cuttings take root when treated with a 0.005% IMC solution for 16 hours.

low almond, or steppe (bean)- Amygdalus nana L.= Prunus nana Stokes. Grows in Central and South-Eastern Europe, Western Siberia, Central Asia. It grows in the zone of herb-meadow steppes, in hollows, along ravines, beams. Restorative, irruptive, light-loving mesophyte, entomophile, microtherm, mesotroph, dominant and codominant of shrub thickets. Small, deciduous shrub up to 1.5 m tall, with a dense, spherical crown. The branches are erect, reddish-gray, with numerous shortened branches, densely covered with narrow, linear-lanceolate leaves, up to 6 cm long, dark green above, light green below. Single, bright pink flowers bloom at the same time as the leaves and adorn the bush in abundance. Flowering lasts 7-10 days. The fruit is a drupe, up to 2 cm long, with a dry, pubescent pericarp of a whitish-straw color. In GBS since 1941, 2 samples (28 copies) were grown from seeds obtained from Novosibirsk and reproductions of GBS. At 20 years old, height 1.6 m, crown diameter 180 cm. Vegetates from 30.IV ± 7 to 28.IX ± 12 for 151 days. The growth rate is average. Blooms from 3 years, from 14.V ± 6 to 24.V ± 6 for 9 days. It bears fruit from the age of 5, the fruits ripen on August 22 ± 18. Seed germination is average. The cuttings take root weakly. Exceptionally photophilous, drought-resistant, winter-hardy, undemanding to the soil, tolerates smoke, shearing, gives numerous root offspring. Propagated by seeds, grafting, root offspring, layering. It deserves wide application in green building as a beautiful and early flowering shrub for group and single plantings. It reaches the best development with sufficient moisture on rich soils. In culture since 1683. Steppe almonds are grown in the middle lane to St. Petersburg, where it blooms profusely and bears fruit well, as well as in the steppe and forest-steppe parts of Siberia. I. V. Michurin created a valuable winter-hardy nut-bearing variety of steppe almonds " Mediator". It has two interesting forms: white-flowered(f. albiflora) - with white flowers; Gessler(f. Gessleriana) - smaller than typical in size, but with larger (up to 2.5 cm in diameter), bright pink flowers. photo left Olga Bondareva Photo right Vasily Tarutin

Common almond- Prunus communis (L.), Prunus amygdalus (Batsch.), Amygdalus dulcis (Mill.), Amygdalus communis (L.) It occurs naturally in the Caucasus, Western Kopetdag, Western Tien Shan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Asia Minor. Lives 100 years. Grows as a bush or tree with reddish twigs. It reaches a height of 3 - 8 m, similar to a cherry. Leaves growing after flowering are oblong. The flowers consist of a goblet-like calyx and a pink or red corolla. The fruits are drupes 3-3.5 cm long, oblong, greenish or brownish-gray with a velvety omission. The pericarp is thin, dryish, leathery, with a pleasant sour taste. Its surface is smooth or wrinkled. The first fruits appear at 3-4 years of age, and fruiting continues for 30-50 years. It is not frost-resistant enough, the temperature minimum is -15 ... -20 ° С. Varieties: var. amara- see photo on the left, contains amygdalin glycoside, benzaldehyde and highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume bitter almonds. For a child, the lethal dose is 10 tonsils, for an adult - 50. var. dulcis- see photo on the right, with sweet seed and low content of amygdalin. Its spice is much weaker. var. dulcis for. fragilis- with fruits that have a thin and fragile shell and sweet seeds.

Almond Petunnikova- Amygdaluspetunnikowii Lithuania. Endem of Central Asia (Western Tien Shan). It grows on gravel and rocky slopes of mountains, sometimes forming pure thickets. Restorative and destructive xeromesophyte, microtherm, mesotroph, entomophile, dominant (rarely) and codominant of shrub thickets and assectator of the shrub layer of juniper forests. Protected in nature reserves. In culture, it is found in the botanical gardens of Central Asia and Western Siberia, as well as in Moscow, Kyiv, Yalta, Voronezh. Shrub up to 1 m tall, with splayed or erect branches, with numerous short branches. The shoots are bare, light fawn, the bark of the branches is gray - brown. The leaves are linear or linear-lanceolate, 3x1 cm, with a pointed apex and a wedge-shaped base, obtusely or acutely serrated along the edge, glabrous. Flowers solitary, pink; fruits are densely tomentose-pubescent, reddish, irregularly ovoid. In GBS since 1954, 1 sample (1 copy) was grown from seeds obtained from Alma-Ata. At 21 years old, height 1.5 m, crown diameter 110 cm. Plant grows from 29.IV ± 9 to 1.X ± 13 for 154 days. The growth rate is average. Blooms regularly from 20.V ± 11 for 12 days. Fruiting is weak, the fruits ripen in late August-early September. Seed germination is low. 56% of cuttings take root when treated with a 0.005% IMC solution for 16 hours. Quite winter-hardy, drought-resistant. Decorative at the time of flowering and fruiting, can be successfully used up to the forest zone.

Location: sunny places or light partial shade. The landing site should be protected from drafts and strong winds.

The soil: soil mixtures consist of leafy soil, humus, sand (3:2:1) with the addition of lime or dolomite flour 0.2 - 0.3 kg per planting pit. Optimum acidity 7.7.

Landing: the distance between plants is 0.5 - 1.5 m. The root neck (or grafting site) is slightly above the soil level. Drainage of crushed stone or broken bricks up to 20 cm and 5 - 7 cm of coarse sand on top.

Steppe almonds in the flower garden
Photo Kursakova Marina

Care: almonds are very responsive to regular feeding. In the spring they bring in: 1 kg of mullein, 10 g of urea, 20 g of ammonium nitrate, which are diluted in 10 liters of water .. In the fall they give double superphosphate and potassium sulfate, 20 g each per 1 sq. m. On loams, watering is moderate, and on sandy soils in spring - plentiful. The main thing is not to soak the root neck! With a lack of moisture, the flowering time is sharply reduced, with abundance and stagnant water, the root neck rots! Irrigation rate with slight drying of the top layer of soil by 1 - 1.5 cm 7 - 10 liters per plant. Shallow (5 - 7 cm) loosening is recommended when weeding. After planting, the near-trunk circle is mulched with earth or peat up to 8 cm thick. Plants tolerate shearing and pruning well (cutting flowering branches into bouquets is practiced). Mandatory pruning of dry and diseased shoots. In severe winters, flower buds and ends of shoots freeze near almonds. If there is a lot of snow, then the root collar may also rot. Sometimes tweezing of the juicy ends of the shoots is done to weaken their growth and allow them to become woody, ending their growth in a timely manner. This - The best way preparing plants for winter!

Protection against pests and diseases: leaflet. Spraying is recommended before bud break with nitrafen 2.5% concentration; for caterpillars - chlorophos, concentration 0.15 - 0.3%. Plum moth. Two- or three-time spraying with an interval of 12-14 days with karbofos 0.1%, Rogor 0.2% mixed with chlorophos or separately. Aphids. Early spring spraying with DNOC, concentration 0.5 - 1% or nitrafen 3% concentration. You can use a solution of laundry soap (200 - 300 g per 10 liters of water) or an infusion of tobacco, yarrow, potato tops, etc. Plum bark beetle. It is recommended to whitewash the trunk with a lime-clay mortar with the addition of carpentry glue or bustilate. Gray rot. It is necessary to cut damaged branches in winter and after flowering to prevent the formation of gray sporulation pads. Monilial burn. Spraying with Bordeaux liquid with an interval of 15 - 20 days. Rust. Spraying or dusting with cineb (20 - 30 g / sq. M) or sulfur preparations (colloidal or ground) is effective.

Amygdalus nana
Photo Kravchenko Kirill

Reproduction: Varietal almonds are propagated by grafting on plums, sloes, cherry plums, other almonds, bird cherry. Species almonds can be propagated by seeds. Sowing is carried out in autumn or spring after stratification at a temperature of 2 - 5 ° C for four months. Annual seedlings grow quickly and reach a height of 30 cm. The transplant is well tolerated, bear fruit in the 3rd year of life. To obtain a compact crown of a plant in early age form by removing faded, dry and weakly growing shoots. With vegetative propagation, almonds are bred with green and root cuttings, offspring and layering.

Usage: gardeners should take into account that almonds are highly decorative shrubs of the spring flowering period. They are very beautiful in single and group planting, they are used to decorate rocky hills and edges. Plants that have a highly developed shoot are suitable for fixing slopes. Spectacular almonds, planted in 3 - 5 pieces, on the lawn, against the backdrop of conifers, as well as in standard culture.

Almond is a deciduous shrub, sometimes a small tree with simple, lanceolate leaves, serrate along the edge; with abundant and beautiful, solitary, large, white or pink flowers; fruits - roundish drupes with pubescent, pericarp and separating stone. Almonds bloom for 4-5 years.

Almond is undemanding to the soil, drought-resistant, photophilous, responds well to soil liming, and tolerates urban conditions. Grows fast.

Almonds belong to those shrubs in which aging stems die off, gradually being replaced by root suckers that appear from the 3rd year of the plant's life. At the age of 7, they begin to die off. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the curtain, old shoots must be completely removed. Highly decorative species deserve special attention.

Types and varieties of almonds

Georgian almond

The bush is about a meter high, has large leaves, 9 cm long, large bright pink flowers and a bristly, hairy fruit. Georgian almond blossoms in May, fruits ripen in September, begins to bear fruit at the age of 7 years. By winter, the shoots become woody and quite easily tolerate frost.

Less hardy, but in Moscow it is quite stable, blooms and pleases with its fruits.

Almond Ledebourg

Grows in the foothills of Altai. The foliage is dark green, large. The flowers are pink. Flowering lasts 2 weeks. Begins to bear fruit at 10 years of age.

Almond low (bean)

Grows in Central Europe, Asia and Siberia. Grows in hollows, along ravines.

Deciduous shrub, with a spherical crown. The branches are erect, reddish-gray, with densely covered narrow leaves. Bright pink flowers are solitary, bloom with leaves and adorn the bush in abundance. Flowering lasts 7 days.

Almonds are low photophilous, winter-hardy, drought-resistant, undemanding to the soil, tolerate shearing well, give root offspring. Almonds are propagated by seeds, grafting, layering, root offspring.

Low almonds are grown in the middle, it blooms profusely and bears fruit, as well as in the forest-steppe part of Siberia.

There are two forms: white-flowered - with white flowers; Gessler - with large pink flowers.

Common almond

Under natural conditions, it is found in the Western Kopetdag, in the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan. Lives for a century.

It grows as a shrub or small tree with reddish branches. Height 3 - 8 m, resembles a sweet cherry. Leaves become oblong after flowering. The flowers consist of a calyx and a red or pink corolla.

Almond Petunnikova

Petunnikov's almond grows on the rocky slopes of the mountains, sometimes forming pure thickets.

Shrub one meter tall, with erect or splayed branches, with countless shortened branches. The shoots are pale yellow, bare, the bark of the branches is gray-brown. The leaves of Petunnikov's almond are linear, with a pointed apex, bluntly or sharply serrated along the edge. In almonds, Petunnikov's almonds have pink, single branches.

Winter-hardy, drought-resistant. Decorative during flowering and fruiting.

Almond (Louiseania) three-lobed

Bush 3 m tall, with dark gray shoots and spreading crown. Almond three-lobed leaves are located on fruitful shoots in bunches, when deployed from the underside, densely hairy, then - naked.

Flowers on the shoots grow in two, of different colors - dark pink, red, crimson. The flowers are simple, 1.5 cm in diameter. The shrub blooms in early May before the leaves bloom, lasting 2.5 weeks.

Two decorative forms :

"Captivity". Spreading bush, 2 m in height. Flowers double, pink, 10 sepals, 48 ​​petals. Pedicel 10 mm long. Blooms in May for about 10 days. Flowers bloom after the leaves open.

"Kyiv". Bush or tree up to 3 m tall. The flowers are pink, double. It blooms very profusely at the end of April for a week, spreading a pleasant light aroma around. The flowers open before the leaves open.

Louisiana three-lobed with simple flowers is grown only in botanical gardens, they are practically absent from flower growers.

Location

Almond loves a sunny place or partial shade. The place for planting almonds must be protected from strong winds.

soil for almonds

The soil mixture should consist of humus, leafy soil, sand with the addition of lime.

Almond Care

Almonds are positive regular top dressing. On loamy watering should be moderate, on sandy - plentiful. With a lack of moisture, the flowering time is reduced, with stagnant water, the root neck rots. Loosening is recommended. The plant tolerates shearing and pruning very well. In cold winters, flower buds and shoot tips freeze near almonds. If there is a large amount of snow, then the root collar may be damp.

Reproduction of almonds

Ortho almonds are propagated by grafting onto sloes, plums, other almonds, and bird cherry. Almond species can be propagated by seeds. Sowing should be done in spring or autumn after stratification.

Annual seedlings grow rapidly and reach 30 cm in height. They tolerate transplant well, bear fruit for 3 years of life. To obtain a dense crown, a bush at a young age is formed by removing dry faded shoots. Almonds are propagated by green and root cuttings, layering and offspring.

Usage

Florists need to take into account that almonds are an ornamental shrub of spring flowering time. It is very beautiful in a single landing, it is used to create rocky slides. Effective almonds, planted in 3 - 5 pieces, against the background of conifers, on the lawn and in standard culture.