Almond – Badam Plant

Description

Almond – Badam Plant

• Name Almond Tree.
• Scientific name: Prunus dulcis.
• Origin: Central Asia.
• Height: Up to 15 meters.
• Family: Rosaceae.

The almond, a delicious, nutritious nut, grows inside the inedible fruit of an almond tree, a plant related to the peach, apricot, and other stone fruit trees. There are two main varieties of almonds: sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are the kind you can buy at the store and eat, while bitter almonds, which contain toxic chemicals, are considered unsafe for eating. Almonds, which are native to the Middle East and South Asia, can be finicky plants to grow without a suitable climate or proper care techniques, almond trees may struggle to survive, let alone bear fruit.

Basic Care & Requirements

Plants are almost completely made up of water so it is important to supply them with adequate water to maintain good plant health. Too much water frequently deprives oxygen leading to plant diseases such as root and stem rots.

• Sunlight- Full Sun.
• Watering- Water regularly but do not overwater.
• Soil- sandy, well-drained soil.
• Temperature- Hardy up to 4 degrees C.
• Fertilizer- Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus. Trees need to be fertilized every few years.

Planting & Care Tips

• Dig out an area for the tree that is about 3 or 4 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball.
• Use a pitchfork or shovel to scarify the sides of the hole.
• If container-grown, lay the tree on its side and remove the container. Loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much.
• Position the tree in the centre of the hole so that the best side faces forward. You are ready to begin filling in with soil.
• If planting a balled and burlaped tree, position it in a hole so that the best side faces forward.
• Untie or remove nails from the burlap at top of the ball and pull the burlap back, so it does not stick out of the hole when soil is replaced.
• Create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole.
• Not only will this conseve water but will direct moisture to perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth.
• Once the tree is established, the water ring may be levelled.
• Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3-inch layer of pines straw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area.
• Remove any damaged limbs.