How to Grow Mission Almond
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Mission Almond
Prunus dulcis 'Mission'
treeMission is a popular almond cultivar known for its late-blooming characteristics and reliable nut production. This deciduous tree produces medium-sized nuts with thin shells and sweet kernels, making it ideal for both commercial and home orchards. The variety is particularly valued for its cold hardiness and resistance to late spring frosts.
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Example Mission Almond timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mission Almond
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 Mission Almond
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; late bloom helps avoid frost damage in zone 8
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Establishment Year 1
12 monthsYoung grafted tree with limited branching; may be 4-6 feet tall at planting
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Apply mulch 3-4 inches thick (avoid trunk contact). Stake for wind support. Remove competing lower branches to develop strong central leader. No fruit expected.
Development Years 2-3
24 monthsTree grows taller and develops secondary branches; begins forming flower buds on mature wood
Continue deep watering. Prune to open center vase shape. Thin competing branches. May see first sparse blooms but remove flowers to encourage vegetative growth. Fertilize with balanced NPK.
Flowering & Pollination (Late February-March)
3-4 weeksLate-blooming pink and white flowers appear on year-old and older wood; flowers are self-incompatible
Ensure cross-pollinator variety nearby (Nonpareil, Carmel, or Butte recommended). Bees essential for pollination. Protect from late frosts if possible. Thin fruit once set to 6 inches apart.
Kernel Development (May-August)
4 monthsNuts develop within fuzzy hull; kernel fills out and hardens; hulls split naturally when ripe
Maintain consistent deep watering throughout. Apply zinc and boron as needed. Monitor for spider mites in hot weather. Do not allow water stress during this critical period. Reduce nitrogen to minimize excessive vegetative growth.
Harvest & Dormancy (August-September)
1-2 monthsHulls dry and split; nuts fall to ground when ready; tree gradually enters dormancy in fall
Spread tarps or mechanical shakers to collect nuts. Clean and dry nuts promptly (12-16% moisture). Prune dead/diseased wood. Reduce watering in fall. Prepare tree for winter dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with deep watering in hot weather; spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur dust or miticide if severe; predatory mites help
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Remove mummified nuts from tree and ground; sanitation critical; pheromone traps for monitoring; targeted insecticide sprays during vulnerable stages
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Prune out infested twigs; apply dormant oil spray in winter; targeted insecticides in spring when borers are active
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Similar to spider mites; sulfur or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested leaves if isolated
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Prune for air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; copper fungicide in early spring; ensure adequate zinc levels in soil
Uses
Roasted & salted snacking
CulinaryMission almonds have sweet kernels with thin shells, making them ideal for eating whole. The nuts can be roasted, blanched, or sliced for salads, baking, and trail mixes. [source]
Baking and almond products
CulinaryMission nuts are used to produce almond flour, almond butter, almond milk, and are popular in pastries, cakes, and confections. The thin shell makes them efficient for commercial processing. [source]
Heart health and nutrition
MedicinalAlmonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Regular almond consumption has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and cholesterol management. [source]
Almond oil extraction
HouseholdCold-pressed almond oil from Mission nuts is used in cooking, cosmetics, skincare, and massage. The oil contains vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Early spring nectar source
WildlifeMission's late-blooming flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other early spring pollinators when other food sources are scarce. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Mission almonds typically begin producing at 3-4 years old and reach full production at 6-8 years. Harvest in late August to early September when hulls split and nuts fall naturally. Spread tarps under tree and use mechanical shakers if needed. Collect nuts promptly and dry immediately to 12-16% moisture content. Store in cool, dry conditions. Yield typically 2,000-3,000 lbs/acre in commercial settings, or 75-150 lbs from a mature home tree.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mission almonds get their name from the Spanish missions of California, where almond cultivation was established in the 1700s, though the Mission variety itself was developed in the 20th century.
- 🌱 The Mission variety is notable for blooming 1-3 weeks later than other almond varieties, which significantly reduces frost damage risk in marginal growing regions and has made it one of the most widely planted cultivars worldwide.
- 🌱 Almonds are technically the seed of a fruit that resembles a peach, not a true nut—the 'nut' is the kernel inside the hard pit, and the fuzzy hull exterior is analogous to peach flesh.
Gardening Terms
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