How to Grow Almond Nonpareil
Almond Nonpareil
Prunus dulcis 'Nonpareil'
treeNonpareil is a premium almond cultivar prized for its large, high-quality nuts and excellent flavor. It is one of the most widely planted almond varieties in commercial orchards, known for its consistent yields and adaptability. The tree is a moderately vigorous, semi-dwarf variety that produces delicious sweet almonds suitable for fresh eating and processing.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 8-10, with zone 9 being ideal
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Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree developing main scaffold branches; minimal flowering; rapid vertical and lateral growth
Remove flower buds first year to redirect energy to root and canopy development. Water consistently. Apply slow-release fertilizer. Stake for support and prune to establish central leader or open vase form.
Flowering (Early Spring, February-March)
2-3 weeksTree produces abundant white to pink blossoms on spurs along branches; requires cross-pollination with compatible variety (Butte, Padre, or Mission almond)
Ensure pollinator activity by maintaining bee habitat. Nonpareil is a pollen sterile variety requiring cross-pollination; plant pollinizer trees nearby. Protect from late frost.
Fruit Development (Spring-Early Summer)
8-10 weeksTiny green stone fruits develop; hull elongates and becomes fuzzy; fruit increases in size significantly
Thin fruits if extremely heavy set (optional, may reduce stress). Continue regular, deep watering. Monitor for pest damage. Apply summer pruning to improve air circulation.
Hull Split & Kernel Development (Late July-August)
3-4 weeksGreen hull splits along seam; brown shell becomes visible; kernel hardens inside; fruit transitions to mature color
Reduce watering slightly to prevent fruit cracking. Monitor for mold in splits. Remove any debris caught in hull splits. Continue pest monitoring.
Harvest (Late August-September)
2-4 weeks (varies by weather)Hulls fully split; nuts fall naturally or are shaken from tree; nuts are ready for drying
Shake tree or use mechanical harvester. Collect nuts promptly. Spread on tarps to dry (reduces moisture to ~5-7%). Remove hulls if still attached. Store in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove mummified fruit from tree and ground. Use pheromone traps. Harvest promptly and dry nuts quickly. In commercial orchards, mating disruption or targeted sprays during vulnerable periods.
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Prune out and destroy infested twigs. Maintain tree vigor. Use pheromone traps to monitor populations.
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Increase irrigation humidity. Strong water spray to remove mites. Apply neem oil or horticultural oils in dormant season. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
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Remove affected fruit. Use kaolin clay spray during vulnerable fruit stages. Reflective mulches may deter some species.
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Dormant oil spray in winter. Prune out heavily infested branches. Encourage beneficial predators.
Uses
Fresh eating and premium nut market
CulinaryNonpareil almonds are renowned for their large size, thin shells, and sweet, delicate flavor, making them ideal for eating raw or lightly roasted. They command premium prices in the fresh nut market and are preferred for artisanal confections. [source]
Almond milk and plant-based products
CulinaryNonpareil almonds are processed into almond milk, almond flour, almond butter, and other value-added products due to their consistent quality and flavor. [source]
Oil extraction and cosmetics
HouseholdAlmond oil pressed from Nonpareil nuts is used in skincare, cosmetics, and culinary applications, prized for its purity and pleasant taste. [source]
Pollinator habitat
WildlifeThe spring blossoms attract native bees and other pollinators, supporting early-season food sources for beneficial insects. A productive almond tree provides ecological value to the landscape. [source]
Nutritional superfood
MedicinalAlmonds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health and overall wellness when consumed regularly. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in late August to early September when hulls naturally split open and nuts are ready to fall. Use a mechanical tree shaker or hand-harvest. Spread nuts on clean tarps to dry for 1-2 weeks until moisture content drops to 5-7%. Remove hulls (if attached) and sort out defective nuts. Store in cool, dry location (50-65°F, <60% humidity) for long-term storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nonpareil is a pollen-sterile variety, meaning it cannot pollinate itself—a pollinizer variety like Butte or Padre must be planted nearby for successful nut production.
- 🌱 Almond trees are among the earliest spring bloomers, sometimes flowering before forsythia; this makes them vulnerable to late frosts, a major concern in many growing regions.
- 🌱 California produces approximately 80% of the world's almonds, with Nonpareil being one of the most economically important cultivars in the state's agricultural industry.
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