Key Considerations for Tree Nuts

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

After harvest, nut trees need to go into a winter dormancy in order to protect themselves from the cold and resume productivity the following season. All nut trees have a certain length of “chilling hours” required for dormancy, and these hours must be met to ensure male and female flowers are synchronized the next year.

In addition to chilling hours, climate and pruning techniques are also key for crop productivity.

WATER & SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Nut trees grow better on loamy or partly sandy soils than they do on heavy clay soils; however, almonds are fairly tolerant to poor soil and can be grown successfully in a number of environments.

PEST MANAGEMENT

Tree nuts are susceptible to navel orangeworm, trunk disease, mold, and a number of other pests and diseases, as well as boron deficiency. To keep crops healthy, many producers spray multiple times per year, and it is recommended to use integrated pest management practices.

Key Nutrients

• Nitrogen — Key (at different rates) during all growth stages to promote early growth and maintain fruit development throughout the season.
• Potassium — Needed during all growth stages for early growth, fruit uptake and fruit quality.
• Phosphorus — Should be applied at flowering and post-harvest for strong root development and maintenance.
• Calcium, Boron, Zinc — Important during all growth stages to help promote healthy tissue, strong yields and fruit quality.