Prunus dulcis

Prunus dulcis is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m by 6 m .
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Global Crop Management: Standard Staple Crop: Protein-oil
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. The almond is often cultivated in the temperate zone for its edible seeds, there are many named varieties. It prefers a Mediterranean climate with a clear distinction between winter and spring, in milder maritime areas it can be induced into flower too early in the season and is then very liable to be damaged by frosts. There is also likely to be a shortage of pollinating insects around when the tree is in flower so hand pollination may improve the crop. Although partially self-fertile, better crops are obtained if at least 2 cultivars are grown. There are two basic forms of almonds, one with bitter seeds and one with 'sweet' seeds. The bitterness is caused by the presence of hydrogen cyanide . Although the bitter forms are used in making marzipan and as a food flavouring, the seeds themselves should not be eaten. Even the sweet forms should not be eaten in very large quantities. . Trees are hardier when grown on a plum rootstock. Almond seedlings are the preferred rootstock when plants are grown on hot dry soils, peach rootstocks are better for heavier soils. Trees are at least partially self-sterile. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 5. .
At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 to 12 .
For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a standard with a non-suckering single trunk .