Almonds won't grow in Texas

[marlingardener]

We are experimental gardeners--trying almost anything that catches our fancy. We were told by locals, "experts", and passersby that "almonds won't grow in Texas." Last year my dear patient husband spent two hours at the garden table, shelling almonds.
Here are the almonds that aren't growing this year:

This photo was taken this morning. I think the almonds are going to not grow again this year. Husband may have to spend more time at the garden table, whacking almonds!

 

[Sheal]

The rules of gardening can be broken marlingardener. I wish you another fine crop.

 

[marlingardener]

Thank you, Sheal. We have found that "it won't grow here" means "I don't want to do the work". Gardening is fun, recreational, and so much more rewarding culinarily than golf!

 

[treeguy]

I don't think Pistachios will grow there either.

 

[Sheal]

I'd find anything much more rewarding than golf. The Masters at Augusta is an exception though, not for the golf but for all the beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

 

[Tjohn]

Nice Almonds! I know the feeling, I've been told okra and eggplant won't grow here, but I have way too much in the freezer!

 

[zigs]

Those are lovely non almonds

 

[Vachtra]

Almonds grow just fine in the Dallas area. I know of several people who have almond trees.

 

[Beesandblossoms]

We are experimental gardeners--trying almost anything that catches our fancy. We were told by locals, "experts", and passersby that "almonds won't grow in Texas." Last year my dear patient husband spent two hours at the garden table, shelling almonds.
Here are the almonds that aren't growing this year:
View attachment 51989

This photo was taken this morning. I think the almonds are going to not grow again this year. Husband may have to spend more time at the garden table, whacking almonds!

Great to hear almond trees will grow in Texas! I would love to grow my own. Did you plant Mission & Halls Hardy? Is there any special treatment they require in Texas?

 

[karstopography]

Look a lot like peaches. Why aren’t they supposed to grow here? Too much humidity? Pest pressures? Diseases?

 

[oneeye]

The reason almond trees are not recommended for texas is the frost timing when the trees bloom. Many Almond trees will bloom and a freeze or a hard frost will kill the nuts before they set. However 'Mission' and 'Hall's Hardy' are varieties that will bloom after Texas's last frosts. You made it this year and last years because of the warmer Winters. A frost or a freeze will get you sooner or later but good luck./

 

[marlingardener]

Beesandblossoms, we have two Hall's Hardy almond trees, and planted them about six years ago. They have withstood 20 degree weather, strong winds, my inept pruning and people trying to convince us they are really peach trees (if so, you could break a tooth on that "peach").
Oneeye, thanks for the encouraging words: A frost or a freeze will get you sooner or later. That's really cheering.

 

[Andrea513]

Good morning! How are your almond trees doing after our storm in February. I want to plant some, but now I’m even more apprehensive.

 

[marlingardener]

Andrea, our almond trees bloomed and are well leafed-out. Plant Hall's--they can take Texas weather.
Don't be apprehensive. If it isn't planted, it won't grow and produce. Fear never produced any fruit, flower, or vegetable! Heaven knows, we have had huge failures, but also some successes. Give it a go!