Almond

Prunus dulcis

The almond is a close relative of the peach. It is generally not well-adapted to Central Texas. It has major problems with brown rot, and shows nutritional deficiencies of iron and zinc in alkaline soils. 1

Almonds are eaten as a nut, but the required cultural practices and tree appearance are essentially the same as peaches. Almonds are generally poorly adapted to Texas because they bloom too early in the spring and encounter freeze problems. No varieties are highly recommended because of general failure to set crops. 2

There is a native Texas Almond (Prunus minutiflora Engelm.) that might be worth some investigation.

• 1. Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture Network - http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/
• 2. HOME FRUIT PRODUCTION - STONE FRUIT - http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/stone/stone.html