The Almond is about as hardy in tree as the peach. But as stated in Section 282 its period of blossoming is so early that it rarely escapes frost except in favored localities in Southwest Texas, Arizona, and California. But in a small way certain varieties are grown in Florida, on the Gulf coast, and even in parts of Oregon. At this time we also have some promise of securing varieties from Turkestan, in Asia (282), that will flower later and prove hardier in tree.

Leading Almond Varieties Now In Cultivation

Drake

Large, broad, thin-shelled, with very plump kernels, often double. A leading variety in South California and Arizona.

Golden State

Medium, often large, soft-shelled, with full kernel that parts readily from the shell. Ripens early and drops if not promptly gathered when mature.

Harriott

Large, long, with soft-shell; kernel single, sweet, and good. Does well in a dry region, such as Arizona, with irrigation, on account of its dense foliage.

IXL

Large, broad, soft-shelled; hulls easily; quality very good. Largely grown in Arizona and Southern California.

King (King Soft Shell)

Size medium to large, broad; shell thin and soft; quality best. Grown in Eastern Oregon as well as farther South on west coast.

Languedoc

Medium, broad; shell thin, soft; kernel plump and sweet; usually does not bear in single block. Indeed about all varieties need cross-pollination. Grown in Eastern Oregon.

Lewelling (Lewelling's Prolific)

Large, long, oval; soft shell. A leading commercial variety.

Drake. Languedoc. Ne Plus Ultra.

Ne Plus Ultra

Very large and unusually long; shell thin and soft. Grown commercially where the almond does well.

Nonpareil (Extra)

Medium in size, long oval; shell so thin as to be crushed with the fingers. Tree weeping in habit, and a very heavy bearer.

Paper Shell

Size medium; shell very tender; kernel large, white, and sweet. A favorite variety on west coast and in Arizona.

Pride

Large, smooth; shell thin and soft. Popular mainly on account of self-hulling, and it needs no bleaching.

Princess

Medium; shell thin and soft; kernel smooth and good. Is grown in Florida and extreme Southwest Texas.

Siberian

Size small, long oval; shell quite hard; kernel somewhat bitter; not edible. This is only referred to on account of its extreme hardiness even in Minnesota and North Dakota. It may by crossing become the parent of hardy as well as edible varieties.