Prunus dulcis All In One - Almond Tree

The All In One® Almond Tree (Prunus amygdalus) is a self-fertile variety originally from America, highly productive. Following its late February flowering, this almond tree produces large almonds with a tender shell that can be harvested starting in late August. Planting should be done in the autumn.

The almonds, surrounded by a thin brown skin, are contained within a more or less tender shell, which is in turn surrounded by a fuzzy green husk. Almond harvesting at ripeness is done when the fuzzy husk opens, usually towards the end of summer, by shaking the branches with a pole if necessary. After harvesting, separate the shells from the green husk, spread them out, and let them dry in the sun for several days. The dried almonds can then be stored for several months in a dry, well-ventilated place. In May and June, it is also possible to pick fresh (green) almonds by hand. These will only keep for a few days. In cooking, almonds are used in their whole form (with the skin), blanched (without the skin), slivered (cut into very thin slices lengthwise), or crushed (reduced to small pieces or powder). They are mainly consumed in desserts or in certain savory dishes such as tagines, for example. Almonds are oilseeds and can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Almond oil is used in cosmetics, particularly for its soothing and moisturizing properties.

The flowering of the almond tree, in February or March depending on the variety, is particularly sensitive to spring frosts. The All In One® variety flowers in late February, with the almond tree covered in small pinkish white flowers that appear before the foliage. This variety is self-fertile.

The almond tree is a nut-bearing fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to central Asia. It is a typical tree of the Mediterranean region, and its wood is used in cabinetmaking. Its deciduous leaves are alternate, narrow, and lanceolate. The almond tree can reach a height of 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet) with a width of 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) and can live for several decades. It is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F), but its flowers are destroyed at -2°C (28.4°F). It can be planted in a fruit or ornamental garden, thanks to its beautiful late winter flowering.