🌰 Our Select Almond Tree Varieties
Almond trees are the "jewels" of the dry-climate garden. They are surprisingly hardy and thrive in the well-drained soils of Walmer. Because most almonds are not self-fertile, planting a combination of these varieties is essential for cross-pollination and a heavy nut set.
Peerless Almond Tree
The Hardy All-Rounder: A vigorous, upright grower known for its hard shell, which protects the nut from birds and moisture.
Nut Profile: Medium-sized, well-sealed nuts with a delicious, classic almond flavour. It is the gold standard for "in-shell" roasting.
Requirements:
- Pollination: An excellent universal pollinator. It pairs perfectly with Non Pareil or Ne Plus Ultra.
- Wind Resistance: Very tough and resilient, making it a great choice for the breezier parts of Gqeberha.
- Care: Use our Bark Chip Mulch (R55) to keep the roots cool during the heat of January.
Non Pareil Almond Tree
The Industry Favourite: Widely considered the best-quality almond in the world. It is prized for its thin "paper-shell" and exceptionally sweet, smooth kernel.
Nut Profile: Large, flat kernels that are easy to shell by hand. It is the premier choice for snacking, almond flour, and baking.
Requirements:
- Climate: Loves the sunny days of the Eastern Cape but requires a pollination partner.
- Pollination: Must be planted near Peerless or Ne Plus Ultra to set fruit.
- Feeding: Responds beautifully to CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80) during the spring bud-burst.
Ne Plus Ultra Almond Tree
The Reliable Producer: A large, spreading tree that is famous for its heavy crops and beautiful, oversized blossoms that signal the start of spring.
Nut Profile: Large, long kernels with a soft shell. It has a slightly more robust, "nutty" flavour than the Non Pareil.
Requirements:
- Growth: A fast grower that provides lovely dappled shade for your garden.
- Soil: Thrives in our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50); ensure the site has excellent drainage to prevent "wet feet."
- Pollination: The perfect partner for Non Pareil.
Elfahem (El Fahem) Almond Tree
The Drought Warrior: Originally from the Mediterranean, this variety is exceptionally well-suited to South African conditions. It is known for being highly productive even in leaner years.
Nut Profile: Large, high-quality kernels with a very high oil content, making them exceptionally flavourful.
Requirements:
- Resilience: Known for its ability to handle heat and dry spells better than most commercial varieties.
- Yield: A very consistent cropper that begins producing at a young age.
- Care: Dig in a bag of our Potting Soil Farm Mix (R40) when planting to give the taproot a strong, nutrient-rich start.
📍 Pot & Barrel "Die Plaas" Tip:
Almonds are the very first trees to bloom in late winter (often as early as July/August). Because they bloom so early, they provide a vital food source for local bees. Ensure you plant at least two different varieties within 10–15 metres of each other to ensure the bees can cross-pollinate your harvest!
Visit us at the shop in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, or contact us on Whatsapp 072 867 3243.
Our Almond Trees are currently available from R165 each.