Prunus dulcis Desmayo Largueta - Almond tree

The 'Desmayo Largueta' almond tree(Prunus dulcis 'Desmayo Largueta') is a Spanish variety recognisable by its open habit and early, rosy white blossom. It is valued for its productivity and the excellent flavour of its almonds. Adapted to warm, dry climates yet cold-resistant, this variety produces elongated and flavoursome almonds, ideal for pastry-making and confectionery. It requires a pollinator such as Guara or Ferragnès for good fruiting. Its graceful silhouette and spectacular spring flowering make a striking addition to a Mediterranean orchard!

The 'Desmayo Largueta' almond tree (Prunus dulcis 'Desmayo Largueta') is a tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. The precise geographical origin of this variety remains uncertain, but it is believed to come from the Spanish provinces of Huesca, Lleida, or Tarragona. According to legend, it owes its existence to the priest of Alquézar in the province of Huesca. Selected for its cold resistance, high productivity, and the quality of its almonds, this variety is still widely cultivated in Spain. The tree is very hardy (down to -14°C), but its early flowers are frost-sensitive.

This fruit tree stands out for its open and flexible habit, with spreading branches that give it a remarkable silhouette. It typically reaches a height of 4 to 5 m at maturity, exhibits moderate growth, and begins fruiting relatively quickly after about 6 years of cultivation. Its foliage is deciduous, composed of oblong and lanceolate leaves around 12 cm long, dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside.

Its very early flowering, starting in February, is susceptible to late frosts. The white to pale pink flowers measure between 3 and 5 cm in diameter and appear before the bud burst period of the leaves. This variety is self-sterile: the presence of compatible pollinators such as 'Bouquet', 'Guara', or 'Ferragnès' nearby is essential to ensure good fruiting.

Almonds are usually harvested between late August and early September, when the fruits are fully ripe and the hull (the "skin") begins to split, a sign that the fruit is ripe. The traditional method involves shaking the branches with poles to make the fruits fall onto nets laid on the ground. Once harvested, the almonds are quickly freed from their hulls and then left to dry in the sun for several days to reduce their moisture content and ensure good preservation. Once thoroughly dry, they can be stored in a cool, dry place, away from humidity.

The 'Desmayo Largueta' almond is recognisable by its elongated shape. The shell is hard but relatively thin, with a cracking yield estimated between 26 and 28%. The kernel offers a sweet flavour and a crunchy texture, prized in pastry-making and confectionery, particularly for producing roasted almonds, pralines, or sliced almonds. They are often used blanched and feature in many Mediterranean delicacies. They can also be eaten fresh as a snack or incorporated into sweet and savoury dishes to add a gourmet and refined touch.

The 'Desmayo Largueta' almond tree is an excellent choice for regions with mild winters and dry, hot summers, where it can reach its full fruiting potential. It is valuable for stony and dry areas with calcareous soil, where it manages to grow and fruit. Nevertheless, it appreciates minimal summer watering (professional plantations are drip-irrigated to secure and regulate production). The key is to plant it in well-draining soil, as it cannot tolerate excess water at the root level. Under these conditions, it proves very resilient and requires little maintenance, limited mainly to light winter pruning to remove dead wood or balance its habit.

The Almond Tree has its rightful place in a Mediterranean orchard alongside the Olive Tree and the Pomegranate. Pair it also with the decorative Strawberry Trees 'Marina' or 'Atlantic', known for their evergreen foliage, bell-shaped flowers, and fruits. Rockroses will also make good companion plants for a natural look, forming a low vegetation zone. In Mediterranean climates and dry soils, you can also plant Azarole Hawthorn for its nectar-rich flowers and small apple-like fruits, which can be cooked into compotes or jams.