Prunus dulcis Supernova - Almond Tree

The Almond tree or Prunus dulcis Supernova is a self-fertile European variety, meaning that it is not necessary to plant another almond tree nearby to obtain fruit. This selection is also characterized by a semi-late fruiting and good natural resistance to diseases. Its medium-sized fruits have a semi-hard shell that is fairly easy to crack to extract the almond. While appreciated for its delicate fruits, which are harvested in September, this Mediterranean fruit tree covered in white flowers is a beautiful addition to the garden in late winter. The almond tree, perfectly adapted to Mediterranean gardens, can thrive in poor, rocky, dry, and limestone soils.

The cultivated Almond tree (Prunus dulcis) belongs to the Rosaceae family, just like cherry and plum trees. It is derived from the Caucasian almond tree, known as Prunus fenzliana, a shrub native to Armenia, Turkey, and Iran. It has been cultivated for a long time in the Mediterranean region and for several decades in many arid regions. To obtain fruit, it is imperative that the blossoms do not freeze, which limits almond tree cultivation to climates governed by a Mediterranean-type climate with short winters: southern China, southwestern North America (California), South America (central Chile), South Africa, and Australia.

The Supernova almond tree is the result of the European program AGRIMED, which brought it to the market in 1987. It is a small tree with a spreading habit, a semi-open and branched crown, reaching a height of about 5 meters (16 feet) and a spread of 4 meters (13 feet) at maturity. This variety begins to produce almonds from a young age and can live for over a century. The tree has simple, thin, and pointed leaves, measuring up to 8 cm (3in) long and 2.5 cm (1in) wide, with dentate margins. They are medium green and slightly glossy on the upper side. The deciduous foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling. The flowering occurs in late February on bare branches. It is abundant and slightly fragrant. Each flower has 5 white petals and measures approximately 3.5 cm (1in) in diameter. This flowering produces high-quality nectar, highly sought after by bees at this time of year. It is followed by the formation of oblong fruits covered with a velvety green-gray skin, measuring up to 4 cm (2in) long. The skin dries and splits at the end of summer, revealing the hard shell that protects the edible almond. The harvest of Supernova almonds takes place in May-June for fresh almonds and in September for dried almonds.

During the first two years following its establishment, the almond tree is sensitive to frost, but afterwards, it is quite hardy, tolerating temperatures down to at least -12°C (10.4°F). However, cold weather makes its fruiting unpredictable as the flowers are very early and sensitive to frost. It is difficult to harvest almonds above the Lyon region. The almond tree thrives best in dry, rocky, and limestone soils, even in exposed locations. This tree dislikes soils that retain moisture to the point that it can rapidly deteriorate within a few days.

In plant anatomy, the term "almond" refers to the interior of the seed. The fruits of Prunus dulcis are called almonds because only this part is consumed. The pulp surrounding the stone is not edible. In addition to enjoying this delicious fruit, you can also appreciate its fragrant blossoms that herald the arrival of spring.