A great number of people from different parts of the world come to Japan to see the amazing cherry blossoms. But there is another beautiful fabulous plant that blooms in spring and exudes an amazing, dizzying aroma. This is an almond. In fact, almonds and sakura (serrate cherries) are quite close relatives, and they represent the genus of plums.
From our article you can find out some interesting information regarding this amazing plant: where you can see almond blossoms, when it blooms, etc.
Growth
The birthplace of almonds is Asia (Middle and Front) and the Mediterranean. This culture arose many centuries ago BC.
Today, the most numerous plantations of almonds are found in the Mediterranean, the USA (California), China, Central Asia, the Western Tien Shan, Kopetdag, the Caucasus and the Crimea. In Tajikistan, there is even a beautiful "city of almonds" - Kanibadam. Also, this plant is grown in some areas of the Czech Republic, Slovakiaand South Moravia.
Types of almonds in Russia
Before we look at the flowering almond itself (description just below), let's decide what varieties of it grow in Russia. Here, 3 types of this plant are mainly grown:
- common almond;
- beaver, steppe;
- three-bladed.
The last two species are forms that do not produce edible fruits, but are decorative. They grow in the territories of central Russia. Their flowers open up to the full blooming of the leaves, almost on bare branches. They are very beautiful, from white to rich pink, have a great strong scent that attracts many bees.
The fruits give the common almond and the almond tree. The first species is a large plant that can reach a height of up to 5 meters.
Blossoming almonds: photo, description
In spring, almond orchards are strewn with delicate, almost airy, pale pink flowers. There are also flowers decorated in the middle with bright purple veins. They bloom, as noted above, almost on bare branches. It seems that the trees are covered with an airy whitish-pink veil. All the air over long distances around is filled with the most delicate pleasant aroma of flowering almonds.
This flowering plant has amazing, striking beauty. Such splendor attracts many people to admire the extraordinary colors of awakening nature. Blooming almonds are a real miracle!
Vincent van Gogh aboutblossoming almond branches
Van Gogh (a Dutch artist), who has a rather sad fate, can be said to have earned great respect from people, customers and colleagues throughout his short life, although he remained not entirely in demand until the end of his days. Only after his death did he earn real fame and recognition throughout the world as an impressionist, although he himself rejected this direction more than once.
The picture called "Blossoming branches of almonds" is one of his last works. It was written in 1890 after the birth of the artist's nephew (the son of his brother Theo). The blossoming almond, depicted in a magnificent picture, is a symbol that carries a certain connotation. Almond blossoms early and, probably, according to the author's own intention, it means the beginning of a new life.
The peculiarity and remarkableness of this picture is that it is made in a style not characteristic of the artist. And the color scheme is limited. The turquoise sky looks bright and carefree, and not a single cloud overshadows the amazingly bright spring day. Blooming almonds in his painting are a harbinger of warmth and joy of life.
Reproduction
Absolutely all varieties of almonds are self-fertile. To get fruits, you also need to plant a variety of pollinator tree. You can propagate almonds with seedlings, seeds, or even just graft a plum or cherry plum onto a turn. However, in order to successfully grow varietal almonds, it is best for the garden to purchase a seedling in a fruit nursery and do not forget that you must also choose a variety for the selected variety.pollinator.
This plant is undemanding to the soil, but it is desirable to choose the most illuminated place and protected from the wind. It is worth planting this magnificent tree in order to always see the indescribable beauty of flowering almonds in the spring.
Planting and care
It should be noted that the distance from one tree to another should be approximately 5-7 meters. It all depends on the type of plant. A landing pit measuring 60 by 60 cm is being prepared. Its bottom is mulched with a mixture consisting of leaf earth, humus and sand. The seedling is placed on the bottom of the pit, covered, and the earth is compacted. If necessary, the plant can be tied to a peg, also installed in the pit before being sprinkled with soil. The seedling is carefully watered with a bucket of water.
The first fruiting occurs at 3-5 years. Almonds should be trimmed annually and fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. The age of the plant can reach up to 100-130 years, and the maximum yield occurs at the age of 18-20.
Russian Almonds
Common almonds have been brought to Russia for a long time. In the Crimean Nikitsky Botanical Garden, for several decades, work has been carried out on the selection of its winter-hardy varieties. Despite the fact that these plants endure severe frosts (down to -25 degrees), early spring flowering in the presence of still severe frosts destroys leaves and flowers. Frost-resistant varieties:
- Nikitsky 62. Has large and sweet fruits, blooms in April.
- Dessert. Differs in sweet fruits with easily removablepeeled. The flowers look like little roses.
- Paper shell with very large, sweet fruit and soft skin. Blooms in late March.
- Seaside with sweet and high-yielding fruits. The seeds are pointed and flat.
Southern region varieties:
- Rims.
- Fragrant.
- Y alta.
- Almond Petunnikov.
Brittle almond varieties:
- Dream.
- Pink mist.
- Anyuta.
Conclusion
Magnificent almond blossoms. A photo of him or a picture with such an image will decorate any interior of the room and give it freshness and comfort. Any species that has taken root in the garden will become a real decoration and will lead to indescribable delight with wonderful flowering. And this season (early spring) is a celebration of the birth of life!
