How to Grow Nonpareil Almond
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Nonpareil Almond
Prunus dulcis 'Nonpareil'
treeNonpareil is a premium almond cultivar prized for its large, thin-shelled kernels and high yield. It is a self-incompatible deciduous tree that requires cross-pollination from compatible almond varieties. This is the most widely planted almond variety in California and represents the gold standard for commercial almond production.
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 best performance in zones 9-10
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Get my Nonpareil Almond timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and establishing branch structure. Minimal flowering occurs.
Water deeply and regularly. Stake for wind protection. Remove flower buds in first year. Prune to establish open vase structure with 3-4 primary scaffold branches.
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree develops canopy and branch architecture. Light to moderate flowering begins.
Continue training and pruning. Monitor for zinc and boron deficiency symptoms. Apply dormant oil spray in late winter. Thin fruit if present to prevent excessive crop stress.
Flowering (Late February-March)
2-3 weeksTree produces abundant white to pale pink flowers on previous year's wood. Requires cross-pollination from compatible almond varieties.
Ensure compatible pollinator tree (Butte, Carmel, or Merced) is nearby. Provide bee habitat. Avoid pesticide sprays during bloom to protect pollinators. Monitor frost risk, as late frosts can damage flowers.
Fruiting and Kernel Development (April-August)
5 monthsGreen hulls develop around forming kernels. Hull splits in late summer, revealing hard shell with kernel inside. Kernel matures and dries in shell.
Apply regular deep irrigation during this critical period. Maintain consistent fertility, especially zinc and boron. Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart if necessary. Monitor for pests and diseases. Reduce irrigation slightly in late July-August to promote drying.
Harvest (Late August-September)
3-4 weeksHull splits and dries completely. Kernels reach full maturity with characteristic thin shell. Nuts drop to ground naturally or are mechanically harvested.
Allow nuts to fully dry on tree before harvest. Use mechanical shaker for commercial operations. Collect nuts promptly to prevent contamination. Dry to 5-7% moisture content before storage. Prune immediately after harvest to prepare for next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove mummified nuts from tree. Use pheromone traps for monitoring. Apply spinosad or insecticidal oils during vulnerable periods. Encourage natural predators.
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Prune affected twigs and destroy. Apply dormant oil in winter. Maintain tree vigor through proper irrigation.
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Monitor with yellow sticky traps. Use miticide or insecticidal soap if populations exceed threshold. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Apply sulfur-based fungicides in spring. Use miticides if infestation is severe.
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Remove and burn infested branches. Maintain tree health and vigor. Use pheromone traps.
Uses
Premium edible nut
CulinaryNonpareil almonds are prized for fresh consumption and processing into almond butter, almond milk, and other products due to their superior flavor, large kernel size, and thin shell. The high yield and ease of cracking make them ideal for both retail and industrial uses. [source]
Confectionery and baking
CulinaryThe high-quality kernels are valuable for candy making, chocolate coating, and premium baking applications where kernel appearance and flavor are critical. [source]
Oil production
HouseholdCold-pressed almond oil from Nonpareil kernels is used in cooking and cosmetics applications. The high fat content and mild flavor make it valuable for culinary oils. [source]
Nutritional benefits
MedicinalAlmonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and other minerals. They are known for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and may support cardiovascular and metabolic health. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAlmond flowers provide early-season nectar and pollen for honeybees and native pollinators emerging from winter, supporting bee populations during critical forage 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
Nonpareil almonds are ready to harvest when hulls split naturally and kernels fall freely from the tree, typically in late August to early September. Allow nuts to dry on the tree as much as possible before harvest—a few days of warm weather after hull split is ideal. Shake mature nuts onto tarps and allow to air dry for 5-7 days to reach optimal moisture content of 5-7%. Store in cool, dry conditions. The thin shell is a key characteristic—nuts should crack cleanly with relatively little pressure.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nonpareil almonds account for approximately 50% of California's almond acreage and generate billions in annual agricultural revenue, making them a cornerstone of global almond supply.
- 🌱 The name 'Nonpareil' means 'without equal' in French, reflecting the cultivar's superior quality and market dominance since its development in the 1800s.
- 🌱 Almond trees require 1,000-1,100 cumulative hours below 45°F (7°C) during dormancy (chilling hours) to flower properly; Nonpareil's moderate chill requirement makes it well-suited to warmer climates like California's Central Valley.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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