Almond ‘Texas Mission’

Description

The ‘Texas Mission’ almond is a well-known variety valued for its sweet, flavorful nuts and hardy nature. It features a medium-sized, slightly thicker shell and is commonly used for various culinary applications.

Ripening:
Ripens in late February to early March, ready when the hulls start to split.

General Information:

• Climate: High Chilling , suitable only for cold areas like Gauteng Soth and Freestate.
• Soil: Requires well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 to prevent root rot.
• Growth Habit: Grows 10-15 feet tall, with attractive white to pale pink flowers in early spring.

Care Tips

1. Watering:
   • Water deeply during dry spells, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Fertilizing:
   • Apply a balanced fertilizer for nuts in early spring before flowering.
3. Pest Control:
   • Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites. Use organic treatments such as neem oil if necessary.
4. Mulching:
   • Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
5. Harvesting:
   • Harvest when hulls split open, using gentle shaking or mechanical methods. Process the nuts quickly to maintain quality.