Almond blossom

 Almond blossom

The first fruit tree to flower in spring is one we think of as a nut. But the almond 'nut' is really the kernel of the almond fruit, Prunus dulcis, which belongs to the big Prunus genus and is a closer cousin to apricots, peaches, cherries and plums (all of which will be coming into flower next month) than it is to true nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts. A ripe almond fruit looks like an oval unripe apricot or peach, with hard green furry flesh. When the fruit is ripe the flesh starts to split, revealing the distinctive pitted shell containing the edible kernel.

I planted the tree in the picture in January 2005 and it has surprised me by growing so big so quickly, plus it had a very heavy crop of nuts in just its fourth year. I thought it was going to be slow-growing and largely ornamental, which is why I planted it next to a strolling path, not in the orchard proper. 

  My young almond tree in full flower in September 2008

Now when its lower branches are heavy with nuts one has to duck to get under them when going down the path, but it certainly is an ornamental sight from the kitchen window at this time of year, covered in white blossom with a hint of pink.

It was sold to me by the name of 'Mona Vale', but after thirty minutes of roaming round the Web trying to check on where this cultivar originated, I am coming to the conclusion that there may be a mix-up with the similarly-named 'Monovale', with some nurseries and garden centres calling it one name and some the other. But if anyone knows that there really is a difference and can tell me what it is, I would love to know.

Almond tree blossom is beautiful as well as early, but the most beautiful fruiting tree flowers are not out until late September in the Eco Garden - see the posts on Crab Apple Blossom and Quince Blossom.