Hardy Almond
Explore our collection of hardy almond trees, featuring a unique selection of cold-hardy cultivars for the home orchard and garden. From resilient selections suited to colder climates to hard-to-find varieties, our collection offers almond enthusiasts an opportunity to grow this beautiful and distinctive nut tree at home.
Cold-Hardy & Resilient
Hardy almonds offer an exciting opportunity for gardeners looking beyond the traditional almond-growing regions. With careful variety and site selection, these unique trees can bring the beauty and potential of homegrown almonds to colder climates.
Beautiful Spring Blooms
Before producing their nuts, almond trees put on a beautiful display of delicate blossoms in early spring. Their flowers are one of the first signs of the coming growing season—and one of the reasons almonds make such attractive additions to the home landscape.
Delicious Homegrown Nuts
There is something especially satisfying about harvesting your own almonds. Allow the nuts to mature and dry properly, then enjoy your homegrown harvest for snacking, baking, cooking, and more.
Distinctive
With their delicate spring blossoms and unusual harvest, hardy almonds bring something truly distinctive to the home orchard. They’re a beautiful way to grow something you won’t find in every backyard.
Shop All Cold-Hardy Almond Varieties
Browse our collection of hardy almond trees and discover unique selections chosen for the home orchard and garden. With different characteristics, growing habits, and nut qualities to explore, there’s something special about each variety. Take a look through our selection and find the hardy almond that’s right for you.
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FAQ
Can I grow these hardy almonds in a cooler climate?
Yes. All the cultivars that BBN carries were selected or developed with greater cold-climate adaptability than many conventional almond varieties. However, spring frost remains an important consideration because almond flowers appear early and can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
Do I need two almond trees?
No. All the cultivars that BBN carries are reported as self-fertile or self-pollinating selections. A second compatible almond may still be beneficial for pollination and fruit set, but it is not required for these varieties to produce a crop.
Where should I plant a hardy almond?
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid low areas where cold air settles, and whenever possible choose a site with good air drainage to reduce the risk of spring frost damage.
When do hardy almonds bloom?
Bloom time varies by variety, but late or later bloom is an important characteristic of several cold-hardy almond selections. Javid’s Iranian is specifically described as late blooming, while All-in-One is also recognized for later bloom than many traditional almonds. Later bloom can help reduce—but does not eliminate—the risk of spring frost damage.
When can I harvest almonds?
Harvest timing varies by variety and growing conditions. As almonds mature, the outer hull dries and begins to split, signaling that the nuts are approaching harvest. The nuts can then be harvested, hulled, and properly dried for storage.
How long before my almond tree produces nuts?
Young almond trees need time to establish before producing substantial crops. Bearing age varies with the variety, rootstock, tree age, and growing conditions, so patience is important while your tree develops.
Why didn’t my almond tree produce nuts?
Spring frost is one of the biggest possibilities, particularly if freezing temperatures occur during bloom. Pollination, tree age, winter injury, and growing conditions can also affect production.
Growing Tips for Success
Choose the Right Location:
Plant your hardy almond in full sun and well-drained soil. A gently sloping site can be especially helpful in colder climates, allowing cold air to drain away rather than settling around the tree.
Avoid Frost Pockets:
Cold-hardy almonds are better equipped to handle winter cold, but their early spring blossoms can still be damaged by a late freeze. Avoid low areas where cold air collects and choose a warmer, protected location when possible.
Give It Plenty of Sun:
Almonds thrive in full sun, which helps encourage healthy growth, abundant flowering, and nut development. Choose an open location where your tree won’t become shaded by larger trees or structures.
Consider Pollination:
All the cultivars that BBN offers are considered self-fertile, so a single tree can produce a crop. Planting more than one almond can still provide additional pollen during bloom and may help encourage good fruit set.
Don’t Plant in Wet Soil:
Almonds prefer well-drained soil and don’t perform well when their roots remain consistently wet. Choose a location where water drains freely after rainfall.
Enjoy the Rewards:
From beautiful spring blossoms to the possibility of a homegrown almond harvest, hardy almonds bring something special to the garden. Give your tree the right conditions and enjoy watching it become a unique and productive part of your home orchard.
Hardy Almonds Grow Great in Zones 5-9!
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