How to Grow Almonds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Growing almonds at home can be a rewarding experience, especially if you follow the right methods. This article outlines two methods for germinating almonds—one by using a fridge and the other by planting them directly in the soil. Let’s dive into the steps to grow almonds successfully.
Method 1: Growing Almonds in the Fridge
1. Soak the Almonds:
Take fresh, healthy almonds and soak them overnight in a small bowl filled with water. By the next morning, the water will have a light brown colour. This indicates that the almonds have absorbed water and are ready for germination.
2. Prepare an Airtight Container:
Use an airtight container to prevent moisture from evaporating. Fill the container with coco peat, which is ideal for preventing fungus and retaining moisture. Plant the soaked almonds in the coco peat, leaving a 2-inch gap between each almond. Cover the almonds with a half-inch layer of coco peat.
3. Moisten and Refrigerate:
Lightly water the top layer with a spray bottle to moisten it, but don't overwater. Seal the container and place it in the fridge, ideally in the vegetable drawer where the temperature remains stable.
4. Check Almonds After 20 Days:
After 20 days, open the container to check the almonds. You’ll notice cracks forming in some almonds, indicating growth. Make sure the coco peat is still moist, and re-water if necessary.
5. Monitor Growth After 30 Days:
By 30 days, small root shoots should begin to appear in the almonds. Once the roots are visible, you can plant the almonds in a pot with soil to encourage further growth.
6. Result After 40–50 Days:
After 40 days, the almond sprouts will have grown significantly, with well-developed roots. After 50 days, the plant will be tall and wide, ready to be transplanted into a larger space.
Method 2: Growing Almonds Directly in Soil
1. Soak for a Shorter Time:
Soak the almonds in water for only 2-3 hours (instead of overnight) to prevent fungal growth. The almonds will swell slightly, releasing a growth hormone that stimulates germination.
2. Prepare a Pot:
Use an 8-inch pot filled with coco peat. Plant the almonds about 1 inch deep into the coco peat, maintaining moisture levels throughout.
3. Place in Shade:
Keep the pot in a fully shaded area until the almonds start to grow. This usually takes around 20 days.
4. Monitor Growth:
Once growth is visible, ensure the coco peat remains moist but not overly wet. Continue watering sparingly and avoid temperature fluctuations.
Final Transplantation and Care
1. After 60 Days:
By 60 days, your almonds should have grown into tall plants. At this stage, they may need to be transplanted into separate pots or polybags. Use a soil mix of 60% garden soil, 20% coco peat, and 20% vermicompost.
2. Avoid Pests:
Almonds are a favourite food of rats and birds. Keep the pots on stands or elevated surfaces to prevent these pests from accessing your plants.
3. Further Growth:
Place the almonds in semi-shade for 3-4 days after transplanting and gradually introduce them to full sunlight over the next 10-12 days. Continue to water sparingly, ensuring the plants don’t become waterlogged.
4. Ready for Bonsai:
After 10 months, your almond plant is mature enough to become a bonsai. At this stage, it will begin to bear small almonds in 2-3 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-soaking: Soaking almonds for too long can lead to fungal growth.
Temperature fluctuations: Keep the almonds at a consistent temperature for optimal growth.
Overwatering: Only water when the top layer of coco peat is dry.
Conclusion
Growing almonds at home is a rewarding and educational process. With the right care and patience, you can enjoy watching your almonds sprout into full-grown trees. Whether you use the fridge method or plant directly in the soil, follow these steps to ensure successful almond growth.
