How to Grow Merced Almond
Wikimedia Commons
Merced Almond
Prunus dulcis 'Merced'
treeMerced is a mid-season almond cultivar known for its large, high-quality kernels and reliable production. It is a self-incompatible variety that requires a compatible pollinator and is widely grown in California's Central Valley for commercial nut production. The tree is moderately vigorous and produces consistently without severe alternate bearing patterns.
When should you plant Merced Almond 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.
Example Merced Almond timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Merced Almond
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Merced Almond
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Merced Almond dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-10a, particularly suited to warm, dry climates like California's Central Valley
Sign up free to see if Merced Almond grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Merced Almond timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Years 1-2)
2 yearsYoung grafted trees develop primary scaffold branches and establish root system. Growth is moderate with minimal flowering.
Water regularly (1-2 inches per week), stake for wind protection, prune to develop open vase structure, protect from sunburn with tree guard on trunk, ensure proper zinc nutrition
Development (Years 3-4)
2 yearsTree grows vigorously, developing secondary branches and denser canopy. May produce first light flowers, but fruit set is limited.
Continue training to open-center or vase shape, thin competing shoots, maintain consistent irrigation, monitor for zinc and boron deficiency symptoms, prune after bloom to shape canopy
Early Production (Years 5-6)
2 yearsTree produces increasing numbers of flowers and sets more fruit. Kernel fill becomes a critical concern. Tree may still show alternate bearing patterns.
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart to improve nut size and quality, maintain consistent watering during kernel fill (April-August), apply balanced fertilizer in spring, monitor for pest and disease pressure, ensure adequate pollinator presence
Full Production (Year 7+)
Ongoing (25-40+ year productive lifespan)Mature tree produces abundant flowers and develops full canopy. Merced typically produces 2,000-3,000 pounds of nuts per acre under ideal conditions.
Conduct thorough fruit thinning for large kernel size, maintain drip irrigation schedule through August, prune annually in late winter to open canopy for air circulation and light penetration, conduct soil tests annually for zinc/boron, manage alternate bearing by consistent pruning and thinning
Harvest (August-September)
4-6 weeksNuts mature and shell hardens. Kernels fill hull cavity completely. Tree canopy may show some yellowing as dormancy approaches.
Monitor hull split (indicator of maturity), shake tree once majority of nuts have split, allow nuts to dry on ground 2-3 days before collecting, gather promptly to prevent pest damage and aflatoxin contamination, dry nuts to 5-7% moisture content
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Sanitation of fallen fruit, pheromone traps, spinosad or pyrethrin sprays, selective pesticides only when thresholds exceeded
-
Pruning and removal of affected twigs, oil sprays in dormancy, careful wound dressing, avoid over-pruning
-
Keep tree vigorous with proper irrigation, remove heavily infested branches, maintain tree health, avoid stress
-
Dormant oil sprays, sulfur applications during growing season, encourage natural predators, water stress avoidance
-
Dormant oil sprays in late winter, horticultural oils in spring, targeted insecticides if severe
Uses
Premium snacking and confections
CulinaryMerced almonds are prized for their large size, excellent flavor, and high kernel quality, making them ideal for roasting whole, salting, or using in premium almond butter and candy applications. [source]
Processed almond products
CulinaryThe kernels are used extensively in commercial almond milk, almond flour, and marzipan production due to their consistent size and flavor profile. [source]
Heart health and nutrition
MedicinalAlmonds, including Merced variety, are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. [source]
Cosmetic and skincare products
HouseholdAlmond oil extracted from Merced kernels is used in creams, oils, and skincare formulations for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAlmond bloom in early spring provides crucial early-season nectar and pollen for honeybees and native pollinators during critical colony buildout periods. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Merced almonds typically mature mid-season (August-September, slightly after Nonpareil). Monitor for hull split—harvest when 90% of hulls have split and kernels rattle in shell. Shake tree mechanically or manually onto tarps. Allow nuts to dry on ground for 2-3 days before collection, then dry further to 5-7% moisture in large bins with air flow. Remove hulls with mechanical huller. Grade by size—Merced produces large kernels (average 32-40 kernels per ounce). Store in cool, dry conditions. Ensure no aflatoxin contamination by proper moisture management.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Merced almonds cannot pollinate themselves; they require a compatible pollinizer like Nonpareil or Butte, and California commercial almond orchards typically use rows of pollinator varieties interspersed throughout fields to ensure fruit set.
- 🌱 A single almond tree can produce up to 80 pounds of nuts in its shell annually at peak productivity, and California produces over 80% of the world's commercial almonds.
- 🌱 Merced almond kernels have an exceptionally low percentage of shell weight relative to kernel weight, making them highly desirable for commercial processing and contributing to higher profitability compared to some other cultivars.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Merced Almond planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Merced Almond 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 Merced Almond timeline →