How to Grow Nonpareil Almond
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Nonpareil Almond
Prunus amygdalus 'Nonpareil'
treeNonpareil is a premium almond cultivar prized for its large, flavorful kernels and prolific production. It is a deciduous tree that produces fragrant white flowers in early spring before leafing out, followed by fuzzy green hulls that split to reveal the hard-shelled almond.
When should you plant Nonpareil Almond in your zone?
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Example Nonpareil Almond timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nonpareil 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 Nonpareil Almond
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nonpareil Almond dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10, with zone 8b being ideal for consistent production
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Get my Nonpareil Almond timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Bud Break
December-MarchTree is leafless during winter; buds swell and pink flower buds emerge in late winter before any foliage
No active care needed; prune if necessary while dormant. Protect from late frosts that can damage flower buds. Chill requirement is approximately 300-400 hours below 45°F.
Flowering & Pollination
2-4 weeks, typically February-MarchAbundant white blossoms cover the tree; fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Nonpareil is a pollinizer variety but needs a compatible pollinator like Monterey or Mission.
Ensure adequate bee activity; avoid pesticides during bloom. Plant compatible pollinizer within 100 feet. Monitor for late spring frosts that can kill flowers and reduce yield.
Fruit Development & Growth
5-7 weeks, April-JuneSmall green nutlets form where flowers were; hulls expand and thicken around developing shells. Leaves fully emerge and provide photosynthesis for kernel filling.
Maintain consistent irrigation, especially during kernel-filling phase (May-July). Thin excess nuts if needed for larger kernels. Monitor for pests and disease. Avoid overhead watering to prevent hull rot.
Kernel Filling & Maturation
4-6 weeks, July-AugustHulls begin to split at the seam; kernels plump and harden inside. Tree foliage is full and mature; gradual color change in hulls from green to tan.
Reduce watering in late summer to promote hull-split and kernel hardening. Continue monitoring for insects and disease. Support heavy branches if needed to prevent breakage.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
August-September, drying continues into OctoberHulls split open fully, exposing hard-shelled almonds in buff-colored jackets. Nuts are ready to fall or be harvested mechanically.
Allow nuts to dry on tree as long as possible before harvest. Use mechanical shaker to collect nuts onto tarps. Lay nuts in windrows to dry further (1-2 weeks) before hulling and processing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove mummified nuts from tree in winter; use pheromone traps; sanitation of dropped nuts; organic Bt spray if needed during kernel-fill stage
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Prune out infested twigs; avoid water stress; maintain tree health; dormant oil spray in late winter; remove nearby host plants (peach, plum)
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Prune out affected branches; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; copper fungicide in dormant season; remove infected leaves and debris
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Sanitation of fallen nuts and debris; pheromone traps; good storage practices; avoid over-irrigation
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Hand-pick affected leaves; pheromone mating disruption; spinosad spray during active periods; maintain tree vigor
Uses
Fresh and Processed Nuts
CulinaryNonpareil almonds are among the finest eating almonds, with large, thin-shelled kernels ideal for snacking, roasting, and blanching. They are extensively used in confectionery, baking, and almond milk production. [source]
Almond Oil & Butter
CulinaryHigh oil content makes Nonpareil ideal for cold-pressed almond oil and natural almond butter. Rich flavor and fine texture make these premium products. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalAlmonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Regular almond consumption is associated with improved cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. [source]
Ornamental Value
HouseholdThe early fragrant white blossoms make Nonpareil almond trees attractive landscape specimens in appropriate climates. Trees are also valued for windbreaks and shade. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeAbundant spring flowers provide early nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Leaf litter and damaged nuts support beneficial insects and ground-dwelling fauna. [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 begins in late August to early September when hulls naturally split and nuts are ready to drop. Use mechanical tree shakers to vibrate nuts onto catch tarps or tarping material spread beneath the tree. Collect nuts promptly to avoid dirt contact and mold. Almonds can be left on the ground in windrows for 1-2 weeks to dry further (moisture content should reach 6-8%) before hulling. Do not allow nuts to remain wet or in high humidity, as aflatoxin contamination can occur.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nonpareil means 'unequaled' or 'unparalleled' in French, a name earned by its superior nut quality and consistent productivity—it is the most widely planted almond variety in California.
- 🌱 Almond trees require cross-pollination with a genetically different variety to set fruit; Nonpareil is grown commercially in tandem with pollinizer varieties like Monterey, which are specifically positioned to provide pollen at the right time.
- 🌱 A single mature Nonpareil almond tree can produce 50-100+ pounds of in-shell almonds per year under ideal conditions, though productivity typically stabilizes at 30-50 pounds annually in home gardens.
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