Almond Tree in France: One-Hectare Plot Establishment and Work Schedule

Quick read / The essentials about almond trees (Planting and managing a 1 hectare plot)

The almond tree is a demanding crop that requires careful soil preparation, good drainage and a suitable fertilization plan. To ensure optimal establishment, it is essential to carry out a thorough soil analysis 6 to 12 months before planting to assess nutrient availability and adjust the pH between 6.5 and 7.5. As a wholesale supplier specializing in almond plants , Arboriverse offers plants that are rigorously selected and adapted to French soil and climate conditions.

Buying almond plants requires choosing well-drained soil, as this crop does not tolerate excess moisture. Subsoiling at a depth of 40-60 cm is recommended to avoid compaction, and an amendment with organic matter (well-rotted manure or compost at a rate of 20-40 tonnes/ha) helps improve soil structure. As a wholesale supplier specializing in almond plants , we can help you choose the best planting density, generally between 200 and 250 trees per hectare, with a spacing of 6 to 7 meters. This scheme ensures good tree development while facilitating access to agricultural machinery.

A basic fertilization program, with an addition of phosphorus and potassium before planting, promotes root development and the vigor of young plants. Planting should be carried out in winter, before flowering, and each tree must be staked to ensure good recovery. The installation of a drip irrigation system is strongly recommended, with a water supply of 20 to 30 liters per tree after planting. Purchasing almond plants from a specialist like Arboriverse guarantees the establishment of a healthy and productive orchard, with tailor-made technical support.


Typical Planting for a One Hectare Almond Plot in France

Successful almond planting requires several factors to consider, including soil preparation, drainage, soil amendment, and planting density planning. Here's a step-by-step approach:


1. Soil Analysis

  • Conduct a complete soil analysis 6 to 12 months before planting to determine pH, nutrient content, and soil structure. An ideal pH is between 6.5 and 7.5.


2. Drainage

  • Ensure good soil drainage to prevent water accumulation. Install a drainage system if necessary.


3. Soil Work

  • Subsoil to a depth of 40-60 cm to loosen the soil.
  • Carry out a deep ploughing to a depth of 30-40 cm to loosen the soil.
  • Use a cultivator or harrow to refine the surface soil structure.


4. Amendment

  • Add 20 to 40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
  • If the pH is below 6.5, incorporate 2 to 3 tonnes/ha of lime to correct it.


5. Basic Fertilization

  • Apply 100-150 kg/ha of P2O5 and 150-200 kg/ha of K2O depending on the results of the soil analysis.


6. Final Preparation

  • Level the ground to facilitate irrigation and the passage of machinery.
  • Carry out superficial work (scratching) just before planting.


7. Orchard Planning

  • Mark the location of the trees at a spacing of 7 m x 6 m, which gives a density of 238 trees/ha. A planting density of 200-250 trees/ha with a spacing of 6-7 m is also common.
  • Provide 7 m wide aisles every 6 rows to facilitate the movement of machines.


8. Preparation of Planting Holes

  • Dig holes 80 cm wide and 60 cm deep for each tree.
  • Mix the extracted soil with 20-30% compost or well-rotted manure.


9. Planting

  • Plant young almond trees during the winter, before flowering.
  • Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system.
  • Install stakes and rodent protection.
  • Water thoroughly after planting with 20-30 liters of water per tree.


10-Year Work Schedule for an Almond Plot

Here is a detailed calendar of the work to be carried out year by year for professional almond cultivation in France.

Note: Exact dates and quantities may vary depending on region, local climate and plot specifics.


Year 0 (Preparation and Planting)

October-November

  • Soil preparation: Deep loosening (60-80 cm).
  • Basic amendment: 20-40 t/ha of well-rotted manure.
  • Soil analysis: pH correction if necessary (optimal: 6.5-7.5).

November-December

  • Planting: Planting density: 200-250 trees/ha (spacing 6-7 m).
  • Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system.
  • Install stakes and rodent protection.
  • Post-planting watering: 20-30 L/tree.


Year 1

February-March

  • Training size: Cut back the trunk to a height of 80-100 cm.
  • Select 3-4 well-distributed carpenters.

April-September

  • Regular irrigation: 20-30 L/tree/week.
  • Weeding: Mechanical weeding or mulching within a 1 m radius around the trunk.

November

  • Fertilization: 100-150 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10).


Year 2

January-February

  • Formative pruning: Thin out the center of the tree.
  • Shorten the carpenters by 1/3 of their length.

March-September

  • Irrigation: Increase to 40-50 L/tree/week.
  • Weed control: Extend the control radius to 1.5 m.

October

  • Fertilization: 200-250 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer.


Year 3

January-February

  • Light pruning: Remove poorly placed or overly vigorous branches.

March-September

  • Irrigation: 60-80 L/tree/week.
  • Pollination: Install beehives (2-3/ha) to optimize pollination.

August-September

  • First possible harvest: Estimated yield: 0.5-1 kg/tree.

October

  • Fertilization: 300-350 g/tree of balanced NPK fertilizer.


Year 4 and Beyond

December-January

  • Annual maintenance pruning: Thinning to promote light penetration.
  • Removal of dead or diseased branches.

February-March

  • Preventive treatment: Against moniliosis (if necessary).
  • Installation of hives (2-3/ha).

March-August

  • Irrigation: 80-100 L/tree/week depending on rainfall.
  • Split fertilization: 400-500 g/tree of NPK fertilizer in 2-3 applications.

August-September

  • Harvest: Average yield at maturity (year 7-8): 8-12 kg/tree.

October

  • Foliar analysis: Adjustment of fertilization for the following year.
  • Superficial tillage between rows.


Years 5-10: Full Production and Maintenance

Winter (December-February)

  • Fruiting pruning: Light and regular pruning to renew fruiting branches.
  • Thin to allow light penetration.

Spring (March-May)

  • Fertilization: Adapt according to foliar analysis.
  • Phytosanitary treatments: Monitor and treat against diseases and pests.

Summer (June-August)

  • Irrigation: Maintain 80-100 L/tree/week.
  • Thinning: Manually thin fruit if necessary.

Autumn (September-November)

  • Harvesting: Harvest almonds when they are ripe.
  • Clean the orchard and protect the roots from frost with mulch.


Additional Advice

Pollination

  • The Ai almond tree is self-sterile, it requires another variety for good pollination (e.g. Texas, Ardéchoise).
  • Install beehives (2-3/ha) to ensure optimal pollination.

Weed Management

  • Mulch around trees with organic materials (straw, wood chips).

Size

  • Prune after harvest.

Regular Monitoring

  • Inspect trees for diseases and pests.

Marketing

  • Diversify marketing channels to maximize profitability.

This technical calendar provides a solid foundation for professional almond cultivation in France. It is essential to adapt it to the specific characteristics of your farm and local conditions.


To summarize: establishment and management of a plot of almond trees

The success of an almond orchard depends on detailed planning and rigorous monitoring of cultivation practices. A preliminary soil analysis allows for adjustments to fertilization and correction of pH if necessary. Good drainage and deep soil cultivation guarantee successful establishment. As a wholesale supplier specializing in almond plants , we provide you with high-quality plants, adapted to French climatic conditions and selected for their productivity.

From the first year, formative pruning is necessary to structure the trees and encourage their growth. Regular watering, via a drip system, ensures optimal growth. Pollination is a key factor in almond production: installing beehives (2 to 3 per hectare) optimizes yield. Buying almond plants from a specialist provides access to support on best cultivation practices, from fertilization to plant protection.

From the third year onwards, the first fruits appear, and the yield gradually increases until full production, around the seventh year, with a potential of 8 to 12 kg of almonds per tree. Annual maintenance pruning and phytosanitary monitoring are essential to maintain regular and profitable production. As a specialist wholesale supplier of almond plants , Arboriverse supports arboriculturists in choosing the most suitable varieties and in the optimal management of their orchards. Benefit from recognized expertise and a supply of high-quality plants to ensure the profitability of your operation.