The pistachio veraalso called alfoncigo or pistachio, is a small tree native to the Mediterranean area of Greece, Syria, Turkey and surroundings, which we all know for its rich seeds, the pistachios. These are widely consumed in many countries around the world, and are eaten both roasted, as an appetizer, and used as a condiment in cooked dishes. So much so, that it is commonly called “green gold”, and its seeds were once an exclusive delicacy worthy of very few.
if you want to learn how to plant pistachios and their basic care for its cultivation at home, join us in this EcologíaVerde article.
Where do pistachios come from – characteristics of the pistachio tree
The pistachio tree It is a deciduous plant that can withstand low water conditions and warm temperatures without problems. It has a height does not exceed 10 meters, although its roots are capable of reaching very deep in search of sources of moisture. Its trunk has a hard and rough bark, and one of its peculiarities is that the age of the tree can be known by the color of its branches, which are orange or reddish at first, and darken over time.
Its seeds, that is, the pistachios that we and other animals then consume, are covered by a hard shell, which opens in half once they have matured enough. At that moment the seed is released and falls to the ground, thus being able to produce a new pistachio or alfoncigo tree.
How to plant pistachios – guide with steps
For plant pistachio seeds, it is best to germinate them first. For all this, follow this simple step by step:
- You need to get with unroasted pistachios and that you leave them submerged in water, at room temperature and for two full days.
- Store the seeds rolled up inside a small towel or cloth and store in the refrigerator for 6 weeks. Make sure to keep the towel moist throughout this time, taking it out from time to time to moisten it and check that the seeds are in good condition.
- After the 6 weeks in the fridge, let the seeds rest for a few days in a dark place with a warm temperature.
- Sow the seeds in a pot with a depth of at least 15 centimeters. Prepare a well-draining growing medium with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Bury them no more than 5 centimeters deep and put the pot in a place where it receives a lot of light.
ideal is plant the pistachios between late spring and early summer. In this way, you will be able to transplant the young shoot in winter.
Grafting is also a possibility with this plant. The grafted pistachio tree it requires an escutcheon graft, which must be done in mid-June to maximize its chances of success.
How to grow pistachios at home – basic care
Now that you know how to sow and plant pistachios We offer you a practical guide so that you can take care of the tree in your land and you can obtain the precious seeds for consumption, apart from enjoying the decoration that this tree will bring to the land or garden. This plant does not require excessive care and, in fact, it is a quite resistant species. However, it is worth mentioning what its basic care is to avoid disappointment. take note of how to grow pistachio at home:
Climate for the pistachio tree
Regarding temperature, the climate for the pistachio tree must be warm, even supporting semi-arid climates without problems. In extreme cases, some claim that this tree can withstand droughts of up to 5 years.
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Due to the aforementioned, it is important that the pistachio soil has very good drainage, which avoids waterlogging and excess humidity that could harm the health of the tree. The best soils for the pistachio are sandy loam, which have a good depth for their roots to develop without problems.
In addition, although it is a plant made for arid soils, it does not mean that it does not support those rich in nutrients. In fact, a fertile soil can make the pistachio produce up to twice as many fruits. Learn more about the Types of soils and their main characteristics in this other post.
Pistachio tree irrigation
Regarding irrigation, the pistachio prefers abundant and spaced irrigations over time, than small irrigations that maintain constant levels of humidity in the soil. Of course, this should not be confused with flooding the earth, something that, as we have already said, should always be avoided.
sunlight and wind
When it comes to the contribution of sunlight, the pistachio needs a large amount of it. If it does not receive enough sun, not only will its production be affected, but it could become weak and susceptible to attack by pests and diseases. Finally, this tree not only resists strong winds well, but also appreciates being in an area with light breezes, since these help the favorable evolution of its fruits.
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