Oregon Almond Trees

Almond trees are planted as dormant, bare-root nursery stock in winter, typically December through February before bud break. Trees are staked and irrigated right away, then put on a regular fertilization and irrigation program once growth begins. Dormant-season planting lets the roots establish before the first warm spell.

Most California almond orchards plant between 120 and 160 trees per acre, with common spacings around 22 feet between rows and 14 to 16 feet down the row. Tighter spacing suits upright, less vigorous varieties, while bushier types like Nonpareil and Monterey need wider rows for equipment access. Layout is chosen to maximize light interception without crowding.

Almond trees begin bearing a small crop in their third year and reach full production around years five to seven. A well-managed orchard then produces for roughly 20 to 25 years. Training, irrigation, and nutrition during the first three years set the structure and vigor that drive long-term yield.

Most almond varieties are self-incompatible and need a compatible pollinizer planted nearby, plus bees, to set a crop. Growers traditionally interplant a variety like Nonpareil with pollinizers that bloom at the same time. Self-fertile varieties such as Independence can be planted solid, reducing pollinizer and bee requirements.