How to Grow Almond 'Nonpareil'
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Almond 'Nonpareil'
Prunus dulcis 'Nonpareil'
treeNonpareil is a premium almond cultivar prized for large, high-quality nuts and consistent production. This deciduous tree is one of the most widely planted almond varieties commercially due to excellent flavor, appearance, and reliability. It requires a pollinator variety for optimal fruit set.
When should you plant Almond 'Nonpareil' in your zone?
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Example Almond 'Nonpareil' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Almond 'Nonpareil'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Almond 'Nonpareil'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 8-10; thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with warm, dry summers
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Get my Almond 'Nonpareil' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young tree develops main framework with lateral branches. Minimal flowering or fruiting.
Stake for wind protection. Prune to establish central leader or vase shape. Water regularly (1-2 inches/week). Mulch around base, keeping clear of trunk.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Vigorous shoot growth, increasing branch structure and canopy density. Light flowering may begin.
Continue formative pruning to open canopy for air circulation. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring. Maintain consistent irrigation during active growth.
Flowering
3-4 weeks (late February-March)Pink-white blossoms appear in late winter (February-March in California). Requires cross-pollination with compatible pollen source (e.g., Carmel, Butte, Fritz).
Ensure pollinator tree planted nearby (minimum 40-50 feet, ideally closer). Protect from late frost. Avoid fungicide sprays during bloom if possible.
Fruit Development & Kernel Fill
5-6 months (April-September)Green fruit develops from flowers. Kernels expand and fill during June-August. Hull splits in August-September.
Critical irrigation period: provide 1-1.5 inches water/week during July-August for optimal kernel size. Reduce irrigation in late summer to allow hull drying. Monitor for pests (navel orangeworm, leaf footed bugs). Thin fruit if overcrowded.
Harvest & Dormancy
2-3 weeks (harvest); dormancy through winterHulls split and crack, exposing hard shell. Nuts drop to ground or are shaken mechanically. Tree enters winter dormancy.
Harvest when 90% of hulls are split (typically September in California). Collect promptly to prevent hull stain and aflatoxin. Allow nuts to dry to 5-7% moisture. Prune in winter dormancy to maintain canopy shape and remove dead wood.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove mummy nuts from tree and ground. Monitor with pheromone traps. Apply insecticides (spinosad, pyrethroids) at crack-stage if populations warrant. Encourage natural predators.
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Insecticide spray during pre-bloom if populations high. Remove affected nuts. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Prune out infected branches. Disinfect tools between cuts. Apply copper fungicide in fall. Ensure good air circulation.
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Monitor with hand lens. Spray with miticide or sulfur if threshold exceeded. Avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen. Encourage predatory mites.
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Remove and burn affected twigs. Apply dormant oil in winter. Maintain tree vigor to resist infestation.
Uses
Premium snacking and baking
CulinaryNonpareil almonds are prized for their large size, sweet flavor, and attractive appearance, making them ideal for premium snacking, whole nut products, and high-quality almond flour for baking. They are a staple of gourmet confectionery and chocolate manufacturing. [source]
Almond milk and plant-based beverages
CulinaryThe kernels are ground and steeped to produce creamy almond milk, a popular dairy alternative rich in plant protein and minerals. Nonpareil's kernel quality ensures smooth, superior-tasting beverage products. [source]
Nutritional supplementation
MedicinalAlmonds are nutrient-dense, containing vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, and monounsaturated fats linked to cardiovascular health. Regular consumption is associated with cholesterol management and metabolic benefits. [source]
Almond oil extraction
HouseholdCold-pressed almond oil is extracted from kernels for use in cosmetics, skincare products, and culinary applications. The oil is rich in antioxidants and has emollient properties valued in beauty and wellness products. [source]
Wildlife habitat and pollinator support
WildlifeAlmond tree blossoms provide early-season nectar and pollen for native bees, bumble bees, and wild pollinators during late winter when few plants are flowering. Established trees offer shelter and perching sites for beneficial birds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Nonpareil almonds typically mature in early-to-mid September in California's Central Valley. Harvest when 90% of hulls have split and cracked, revealing the tan shell underneath. Shake trees mechanically or manually knock nuts to ground. Collect nuts promptly (ideally within 24-48 hours) and spread on tarps or dryers to achieve 5-7% moisture content. Hull stain decreases quality and can harbor aflatoxin mold, so rapid hulling (within 24 hours) is critical. For small-scale operations, hand-crack shells to verify kernel quality and absence of mold.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nonpareil is the most widely planted almond cultivar worldwide, accounting for approximately 30-40% of California's almond acreage and dominating commercial almond production globally.
- 🌱 Almonds are botanically a stone fruit (drupe) with a hard, inedible shell—the almond nut is technically the seed kernel inside the shell, making almonds technically seeds rather than true nuts.
- 🌱 Nonpareil requires cross-pollination from a compatible cultivar (such as Carmel or Butte); a single tree will produce little to no fruit without pollen from another almond variety flowering simultaneously.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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