Texas Mission Almond Tree

Late bloomer for added frost protection

The Texas Mission almond tree is a favorite of commercial growers for a reason—it produces high-quality, medium-hard shelled almonds through the challenges of arid Southwestern climates. These sweet nuts, perfect for fresh eating or making almond milk and flour, ripen from late summer through early fall and offer excellent storage capacity. This heavy-bearing variety begins producing in just three to five years and is celebrated for its showy white spring blooms, which bloom late in the season to avoid sudden frosty spells.

While Texas Mission is semi-self-fertile, it performs best with another almond variety and requires 400-600 chill hours to produce. Beyond its impressive yields, the Texas Mission also boasts strong resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a robust addition to the landscape. Its moderate size makes it ideal for both small and large spaces, whether you're planning a centerpiece in your garden or a companion for native plants. When properly cared for, the Texas Mission Almond will provide years of enjoyment.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained, sandy loam soil and avoid low spots, wet soil, or lawns that are irrigated by sprinklers. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth; place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Spread a 3” layer of mulch three feet around the tree.

2. Watering: Water your Texas Mission Almond Tree well after planting, providing deep irrigation to encourage root development. During the first two years, ensure the tree receives adequate moisture, watering a few times a week or when the top 2” of soil are dry. Young almond trees require 3-5 gallons of water per week. Once established, water at the dripline and avoid watering near the trunk, which can cause rot.

3. Pruning: To maintain a healthy shape and promote growth, prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as crossing wood. Avoid over pruning, as this can limit fruiting wood and reduce yield. Prune the first few years for structure and canopy development to be able to hold large fruit yields.

4. Fertilizing: Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for almond trees and should be applied annually in spring. Conduct a soil test for best rates, as too much or too little nitrogen can affect fruit quality. Apply chelated zinc sprays during the growing season, as zinc is a common deficiency for almond trees.