Nut Trees

Almonds

(Prunus dulcis)

Almond trees are part of a large family that includes other fruits like peaches, apricots, plums, and more. They’re grown worldwide, with over half of the world’s almond production coming out of California. They are very popular for their culinary versatility, having been some of the earliest domesticated fruit trees.

These deciduous trees are best suited to climates similar to the Mediterranean, with long, warm and dry summers, followed by cool winter weather. As with many fruiting trees, almonds also prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrition. Plant them in full sun and water carefully.

The trees do lose their leaves over winter, growing back in the spring after a lovely batch of white or pinkish blossoms. Some almond trees can get to be quite tall, making them an excellent option for a bit of shade in the garden.

Almonds begin to grow as fuzzy, green hulls on the tree. They should be harvested just as these hulls begin to split open and, once shelled, should be stored in an airtight container.

As much as we love almonds, so do birds and other critters. Consider protection, like netting, to ensure you don’t lose much of your crop, especially when the trees are younger and still not producing a large amount. Once mature, almond trees can crop quite heavily, so staking, especially on dwarf trees, is usually recommended.

Chestnuts

(Castanea sativa)

Chestnut trees are a member of the same tree family as oaks and beeches, growing to a relatively large tree in the right environment. They’re deciduous, shedding their leaves in winter, and native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, requiring a warm summer and nice cold winter to produce nuts.

Plant in well-draining, nutrient rich soil and fertilise regularly for better results. While some chestnut trees can produce in subtropical climates, many would benefit from cold winters, including frost and snow, so consider the climate requirements before choosing varieties for the Sydney-region.

The chestnut forms in a sharp, spiny casing called a burr which begins to turn from green to yellow, then finally taking on a brownish colour when the nut is ripe, beginning to split open in one or more sections.

Chestnuts are usually a bit flat on one side and have a hard outer skin (or peel, as it’s often referred to) that’s usually a deep shade of reddish-brown, but can vary. The inner skin is much thinner and tends to cling to the inner seed or the edible part of the nut. They are usually roasted or used in cooking.

Cross pollination is also required for chestnuts, so consider the space requirements needed for 2 or more trees.

Macadamia

(Macadamia integrifolia x tetraphylla)

As many know, Macadamia nuts are a very popular Australian nut, native to northeastern New South Wales and central and southeastern Queensland. Despite this, Hawaii was actually the first to commercially produce macadamia nuts, though South Africa is currently the world’s largest producer.

The tree is typically evergreen, though in cooler climates, it can drop a few leaves. Usually, they prefer climates where temperatures remain above 10 degrees Celsius, though once they’re established, they can handle some occasional light frost. For best results, they should be planted in full sun and in well-draining soil with good nutritional content from fertiliser and other well-composed matter.

Macadamia trees have a shallow root system, so it’s best to avoid planting them in high wind areas of the garden. Most varieties of these trees can get quite tall, anywhere from 3 – 12m in height.

In terms of nut production, they can take some time before producing commercial level crops, preferring to be relatively mature before doing so. Maturity is usually around the 7 – 10 year mark, though they’ll produce smaller quantities before then.