Can almond trees survive in cold climates?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Cultivating almonds in cooler areas requires consideration of cold-hardy varieties and a plan. Almonds generally prefer the Mediterranean climate, yet varieties such as Hall's Hardy can yield in winters as cold as -10°F. I've grown Hall's Hardy almonds in Michigan, primarily in sheltered locations for the trees thus improving warmth retention in the soil.
Variety Selection
- Hall's Hardy: Tolerates USDA zones 5-7, ornamental blooms, bitter nuts.
- All-In-One: Semi-dwarf, self-fertile, survives brief -5°F spells.
- Texas Mission: Hybrid vigor for zones 6-9 with frost resistance.
Site Preparation
- Avoid frost pockets, plant on slopes for cold air drainage.
- Use dark mulch to absorb sunlight and warm root zones.
- Test soil drainage: 12-inch hole must empty within 6 hours.
Cold-climate almond production is a make-or-break job when it comes to frost protection. Cover your trees with frost cloth during the spring blooms when temperatures dip below 28°. I use clothespins to secure mine. This simple and cheap trick saved three of my trees with an unexpected freeze in May last year.
Soil Management
- Apply 4-inch mulch layer after first frost to insulate roots.
- Avoid fertilizing after August to prevent tender growth before winter.
- Use windbreaks like burlap screens on north-facing sides.
Pest Control
- Wrap trunks with hardware cloth to deter voles and mice.
- Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to smother overwintering mites.
- Remove fallen nuts to disrupt navel orangeworm cycles.
Patience does indeed pay off when it comes to almonds in the cold zone. My very first Hall's Hardy tree stayed in the ground for 8 years before it produced nuts consistently. I gave it regular dormant pruning and summer thinning, which all boosted production. Each fall, I would do a kernel test, floating immature nuts in water and sinking successful, viable nuts.
Read the full article: How to Grow Almonds: Simplified Guide for Bountiful Harvests
