← Plant Guides

How to Grow Almond Tree Nonpareil

Wikimedia Commons

Almond Tree Nonpareil

Prunus dulcis 'Nonpareil'

tree

Nonpareil is a premium almond cultivar prized for its large, high-quality nuts and reliable production. This deciduous tree produces fragrant white-pink blossoms in early spring followed by fuzzy green hulls containing smooth, thin-shelled almonds. It is one of the most widely planted commercial almond varieties in California and is an excellent choice for home gardeners in appropriate climates.

When should you plant Almond Tree Nonpareil in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Almond Tree Nonpareil timeline →

Example Almond Tree Nonpareil timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Almond Tree Nonpareil

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Almond Tree Nonpareil

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Almond Tree Nonpareil dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; essential for flowering and nut development
💧
Water: Deep, infrequent watering once established; needs 600-900 hours of chilling temperatures below 45°F annually. Water deeply during spring growth and early summer; reduce in late summer to promote hardening before winter.
📏
Spacing: 240 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (3-4 years from planting to first significant harvest)
🌱
Planting depth: Plant bare-root or containerized trees at same depth as nursery pot; ensure graft union 4-6 inches above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates moderately alkaline conditions
pH: 7.0-8.5
Amendments:
Compost at planting Organic matter for moisture retention Sulfur if pH exceeds 8.5

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-10; requires distinct winters but avoids extreme cold

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Sign up free to see if Almond Tree Nonpareil grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Almond Tree Nonpareil timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Establishment Year (Year 1)

12 months

Young tree developing root system and canopy structure; minimal flowering

Water regularly and deeply; stake if needed; prune to establish central leader; avoid heavy nitrogen feeding

2

Early Flowering (Years 2-3)

12-24 months

Tree begins producing fragrant white-pink flowers in early spring; some small fruit may form

Thin excessive flowers to encourage tree development over early fruit production; maintain consistent watering; monitor for frost damage to delicate blossoms

3

Fruit Development (Spring-Summer)

4-5 months

Fertilized flowers develop into fuzzy green hulls; kernels expand inside thin shells; trees require adequate water and nutrients

Ensure consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer in early spring; provide mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature; thin fruit if densely clustered

4

Hull Split & Maturation (Late Summer)

2-3 weeks

Green hulls crack and begin splitting apart; kernels reach full size and harden; nuts develop characteristic tan shell color

Reduce watering frequency; allow soil to dry between waterings to promote hull splitting; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues; monitor for hull rot in humid conditions

5

Harvest & Dormancy (Fall-Winter)

6-8 weeks harvest window; 3-4 months dormancy

Hulls fully split; nuts drop naturally or are mechanical shaken; tree enters dormancy after leaf drop

Shake trees to harvest nuts; collect and hull within 24 hours for best quality; prune lightly in late winter; chill requirements satisfied over winter months

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Peach Nectarine Apricot Cherry Plum Pomegranate Nitrogen-fixing legumes

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (black walnut produces juglone herbicide) Frost-prone low-lying areas

Common Pests

  • Remove mummified nuts from tree and ground; sanitation of fallen fruit; pheromone traps; spinosad spray during vulnerable periods

  • Prune affected twigs; apply dormant oil spray in late fall; spinosad in spring when new shoots emerge

  • Thorough sanitation of fallen nuts; insecticidal sprays at petal fall; netting if feasible for small home trees

  • Dormant oil spray in late winter; neem oil in growing season; prune heavily infested branches

  • Sulfur dust or spray during dormant season; neem oil in growing season; ensure adequate irrigation to reduce stress

Uses

🍳

Premium tree nuts for fresh consumption and baking

Culinary

Nonpareil almonds are prized for direct eating due to large kernel size, sweet flavor, and thin shells that crack easily. They are extensively used in confectionery, baking, and as gourmet snacks. [source]

🍳

Almond milk and plant-based milk production

Culinary

Home-grown almonds can be blanched and processed into fresh almond milk, a popular dairy alternative rich in plant-based nutrition. [source]

🏠

Almond oil extraction and cosmetic use

Household

Pressed almond oil from kernels is used in skincare products, massage oils, and as a culinary finishing oil with a delicate, nutty flavor. [source]

💊

Nutritional supplement for heart and bone health

Medicinal

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health and bone density when consumed regularly. [source]

🦋

Spring nectar and pollen for pollinators

Wildlife

Nonpareil's prolific early spring blossoms provide critical early-season forage for bees and beneficial insects as one of the first sources of pollen in orchards. [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 begin splitting naturally and nuts readily fall to ground. Spread canvas tarps beneath tree and shake branches mechanically or hand-shake. Hull almonds within 24 hours of harvest by rubbing away papery hull. Dry nuts on screens in warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until moisture content drops to 5-7%. Store in cool, dry location (50°F or below) in sealed containers.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nonpareil almonds require cross-pollination by a compatible variety such as Ewing or Merced for optimal fruit set, as they are self-incompatible; plant at least two different compatible varieties for reliable yields.
  • 🌱 The name 'Nonpareil' means 'without equal' in French, reflecting this cultivar's historical reputation as a premium almond with excellent flavor and large, easy-to-crack nuts.
  • 🌱 Commercial almond orchards in California's Central Valley produce over 80% of the world's almonds, with Nonpareil being the leading cultivar due to its consistent quality, market demand, and relatively high yields.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch
Shop Almond Tree Nonpareil plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Almond Tree Nonpareil planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Almond Tree Nonpareil seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Almond Tree Nonpareil timeline →