The aromatic bitter almond 5 fresh seeds. Prunus dulcis var. amara

🌱 Prunus dulcis var. amara — Bitter Almond, Aromatic Almond

These seeds are from the Bitter Almond tree, a member of the Rosaceae family, known for its distinctive bitter taste and aromatic properties. As a stone fruit, it is often classified as a nut, but botanically, it is a drupe. Key selling points of this variety include its drought resistance, high frost tolerance, and long lifespan.

🌿 Botanical Description

The Bitter Almond is a shrub or small tree, typically 4-6 meters tall, with a very branchy habit. It has two types of shoots: elongated vegetative and shortened generative. The leaves are petiolate, lanceolate, with a long-pointed tip. Flowers are solitary, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, with white or light pink petals, numerous stamens, and a single pistil. The fruit is a drupe, similar in shape to an apricot stone, containing a single seed.

🌾 Growing & Agrotechnics

• Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in well-draining soil, preferably in the fall or early spring, after a 30-day cold stratification period.
• Germination temperature is around 15-20°C, and germination time is approximately 1-3 months.
• Soil type should be calcium-rich, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and good drainage.
• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly, as the tree is not a heavy feeder.
• USDA Hardiness Zone is 6-9, with a frost tolerance of up to -25°C.

🗺️ Natural Growing Areas

The Bitter Almond is native to Anterior Asia and adjacent areas, including the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It is commonly found in warm, dry regions, on stony and gravelly slopes, at an altitude of 800 to 1600 meters above sea level.

✨ Interesting Facts

The Bitter Almond has been cultivated for centuries, with the largest plantations currently located in the Mediterranean region, China, the USA (California), and Central Asia. It is also grown in the warm regions of Slovakia, South Moravia, and the Czech Republic. The tree begins to bear fruit from four to five years, with a fruiting period of 30-50 years, and a lifespan of up to 130 years.