Maintenance Landscaping Design

Pistachio tree is an awesome plant. It's a great source of food for animals, and it has pretty flowers.

Also called

• Almond
  
• Apricot
  
• Cherry
  
• peach
  

Good to Know

• The pistachio tree is a member of the cashew family and is native to central Asia and the Middle East.
  
• The tree grows to a height of 10-20 meters (33-66 ft) and has a life span of around 100 years.
  
• The leaves are compound with 5-9 leaflets.
  
• The flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in racemes.
  
• The fruit is a drupe with a single seed.
  
• The seed is surrounded by a hard shell which is green when immature and brown when ripe.
  
• The pistachio tree requires a hot, dry climate for best growth.
  
• The trees are propagated from seeds, Cuttings or air-layering.
  
• Pistachio nuts are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and are used in many sweet and savory dishes.
  
• The oil of the pistachio nut is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Related plant:
Pistachio Plant

Planting Process

1. For pistachio tree, first step is to choose a sunny location with good drainage.
   
2. The second step is to till the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
   
3. The third step is to remove any rocks or debris from the soil.
   
4. The fourth step is to spread 2-3 inches of organic matter over the soil.
   
5. The fifth step is to take a young pistachio tree and plant it in the prepared soil.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
   
7. The seventh step is to apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the tree annually to encourage new growth.
   
9. The ninth step is to protect the tree from pests and diseases.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to harvest the pistachios when they are ripe and Enjoy!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the pistachio tree will grow in a wide range of soils provided they are well drained. The tree is tolerant to salinity and long periods of drought. It does not do well, however, in waterlogged soils. The ideal soil is deep, loamy andalkaline, with a pH of 8.0 or higher.

About light

Like the other plants, the pistachio tree needs sunlight in order to grow. However, it is a desert plant, so it can also tolerate long periods of drought. The tree does best in full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a pistachio tree is one that is neither too hot nor too cold. The tree prefers a temperature that is warm during the day and cool at night. The ideal temperature for a pistachio tree is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70% Pistachio trees are drought tolerant, but they require some supplemental irrigation during the summer months in order to produce a good crop. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant is not very demanding. A little compost or organic matter incorporated into the planting hole is adequate. Once established, pistachio trees are quite drought tolerant. They have a deep, spreading root system and are not overly sensitive to salts in the soil, making them good choices for growing in challenging sites.

Light requirement

Pruning your pistachio tree is an important part of its upkeep. Doing so helps to keep the tree healthy and also encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You should also trim back any branches that are growing too close to the trunk of the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of pistachio trees is most commonly done through rooting hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and be 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long. The cuttings should be taken from the upper part of the tree where the branch is still flexible. The bottom of the cutting should be cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. The cutting should then be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. The rooting medium should be moistened and the cutting should be placed in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cutting should be placed in a bright, indirect light area. The plastic bag should be opened daily to allow for air circulation. Rooting should occur within 4-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate occurs during the first 10 years after planting. After establishment, growth rate slows and is strongly influenced by climate and soils. Optimum conditions for growth are deep, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 and cool, moist winters followed by long, hot summers.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, Alternaria leaf spot, and canker. Root rot is the most common problem and is caused by a fungus. Alternaria leaf spot is caused by a fungus and canker is caused by a bacteria.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your tree regularly, especially during dry spells.
  
• Give your tree plenty of sunshine.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help conserve moisture.
  
• Fertilize your tree every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your tree regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too big.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if you see any.
  
• Harvest your pistachios when they are ripe and enjoy them fresh!
  
• Store any uneaten pistachios in a cool, dry place.
  
• Use caution when handling pistachios, as their shells can be sharp.
  
• Have patience when growing a pistachio tree, as it can take several years before it begins bearing fruit.

You May Like

• Pistacia atlantica
  
• Pistacia chinensis
  
• Pistacia eurycarpa
  
• Pistacia integerrima
  
• Pistacia khinjuk
  
• Pistacia khinjuk
  
• Pistacia lentiscus
  
• Pistacia mexicana
  
• Pistacia mutica
  
• Pistacia pohlii

Source:
Pistachio Tree at Château Noir | The Art Institute of Chicago
Chinese Pistache | University of Redlands
Pistacia chinensis, Chinese pistache | Trees of Stanford & Environs