Sweet almond bush is a plant that produces a nut that is popular for its sweet flavor. The nut is often used in baking and confectionery. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
Related plant:
Sweet Olive Shrub
About soil condition, the best thing for a sweet almond bush is really well-drained soils. They cannot tolerate having "wet feet" and will quickly succumb to diseases if their roots are waterlogged. While they can grow in a variety of different soil types, they prefer sandy loams.
Not too different with other plants, the sweet almond bush needs sun to grow and stay healthy. The bush should be in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. If it doesn't get enough sun, the bush will become weak and sickly.
The temperature condition that is best for the sweet almond bush is warm weather. They like it when the temperature is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also tolerate some cold weather, but they will not do as well in freezing temperatures.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is moderately humid to arid climate. It can however tolerate some degree of humidity. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in arid climate with little or no water. However, it will not thrive in humid climate.
About fertilizer, this plant does best with a light application of a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in the spring. Because it has a deep root system, it's not necessary to fertilize often. Over-fertilizing can actually do more harm than good, because too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning your sweet almond bush is an important part of its care. Pruning helps to maintain the bush's shape and encourage new growth. It also helps to remove any dead or diseased branches. When pruning your sweet almond bush, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.
Propagation is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth and should be around 10-15cm long. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom few leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting in a propagator or pots filled with a well-drained propagating mix. Keep the mix moist but not wet and in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. New roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed and the plants are growing well, pot on into individual pots and grow on. Sweet almond bushes can also be propagated by seed, although this can be a slow and unreliable method.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's environment. Growth rate is affected by the amount of sunlight, water and nutrients the plant receives. Soil type also plays a role in determining how fast a sweet almond bush grows. For example, sandy soils tend to drain quickly and may not hold enough water or nutrients for the plant to thrive.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, brown rot, and rusts. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Brown rot is the most serious problem and can cause the death of the plant.
Source:
#31 Sweet Almond Bush Shopping - floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Almonds in the Home Garden | USU - Utah State University
Flowering Almond
