How to grow almond trees in pots – and transform small spaces with this unusual spring bloomer

Almond trees might not be your first thought when looking for plants to grow in containers, but these spring-blooming trees deserve more attention. Even in small and compact spaces, it is possible to enjoy a harvest of nutritious almonds.

Almond trees, or Prunus dulcis, typically bloom in late winter or early spring, and similar to their cherry tree cousins, produce masses of pink or white flowers that have a delicate fragrance. Not only do they look spectacular when grown in pots, but they will also prove popular with early-to-rise pollinators.

So, if you want to elevate your container garden display this year, consider learning how to grow an almond tree in pots. Here, one tree expert reveals all you need to know to succeed, including pot size, fertilizing requirements and how to ensure that you enjoy a harvest of delicious nuts.

How to grow almond trees in pots

Almond trees are native to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They thrive in warm and sunny environments and typically grow best from US hardiness zone 7 to zone 9. While they are generally considered low-maintenance plants, there are a few rules to follow when learning how to grow almond trees in pots.

Growing advice for almond trees in pots

First, choose a large pot that measures around 20 inches in diameter. Selecting a big container will encourage your almost tree to produce a good, strong root network. Find a sheltered and sunny corner in which to position your planter. If it is heavy, you might need to ask a neighbor to lend a hand.

'Almond trees grow best in areas with long, hot and dry Mediterranean-style summers,' says Fern Berg, tree expert and founder of Tree Vitalize. 'Whatever zone you reside in, make sure you position your almond tree in full sun for optimal flower and fruit production.'

Next, you want to fill your container with a good quality potting mix, available from Amazon. 'It is important to use well-draining and loamy soil,' Fern says, 'as almonds do not like to have wet feet.' If needed you can incorporate some grit or sand in your potting mix to improve drainage.

In terms of how to plant a tree, take time to get the depth just right. You must plant it at the same soil level as the pot it came in. Following this, you want to complete some deep watering to help the plant establish. You can also apply a layer of mulch, no more than an inch or two, to the top of the container to help retain moisture during the summer months.

Following this, you want to provide consistent but not excessive moisture, watering only when the top two inches of soil are dry. 'Fertilizing in spring is also a good idea,' says Fern. 'Use a well-balanced fertilizer which will encourage almond tree blossom.' Organic tree fertilizer is available from Amazon.

If your tree is happy, it should produce between 10 to 20 inches of growth each year, although this can be much reduced when grown in a pot. Prune your almond tree in winter when the plant is dormant, removing any dead, diseased or damaged stems while also thinning the center of the crown to create an open canopy.

Fern Berg

Fern is the founder of Tree Vitalize and has planted and currently cares for over 100 different native and exotic fruit, nut, and ornamental trees. She also cultivates an extensive vegetable garden and several flower gardens and cares for an ever-growing happy family of indoor plants. Fern has a special interest in biodynamic farming, food production, and closed-loop agriculture and is currently in the process of becoming an IARC-certified horticulturist.

Almond tree varieties to grow in pots

Almond trees are some of the best trees to grow in pots, but before launching ahead and ordering a plant that you like the look of, think carefully about the variety. 'Unless you intend to plant two different almond trees, you should select a self-fertile cultivar,' Fern says. 'This means that the tree can produce fruit on its own without the need for another plant to pollinate it. Fortunately for us, self-fertile options are today increasingly available.'

'One excellent self-fertile option is the dwarf 'Garden Prince’ variety,' Fern says. 'It grows to just 8 to 10 feet tall and produces beautiful blossoms and a good crop of sweet, soft-shelled almonds.

'For those in cooler climates, consider growing the ‘All-In-One’ variety,' Fern says. 'This compact and hardy almond tree is rare in that it can be grown down to zone 5. It is self-fertile, reliable and produces sweet nuts after a few years of growth.'

Live plants of the 'All-in-One' almond variety are available to order from Amazon.

FAQs

Do you need to winterize almond trees?

While this will depend on the species and variety you grow, in most cases, winterizing almond trees is only necessary for gardeners in very cold regions. 'Almond trees actually need a minimum amount of cold or ‘chill hours’ in order to break dormancy and produce flowers,' Fern says. 'So if you grow in zone 7 plus, you shouldn't need to winterize them unless a very heavy frost is on the way.'

In terms of nut production, you can expect your trees to produce their first crop 3 to 5 years after planting. While this does require a small amount of patience, the wait will be worth it when you are impressing friends and family with a harvest of delicious, sweet almonds.

For more inspiration, see our growing guide for flowering cherry trees, to fill your yard with even more spring flowering plants this year.