Nut Trees for the Desert

Choosing the Right Tree

• If you live in Sunset Zones 10, 12 or 13, the Southwest desert zones, choose either pecan or almond trees. Pistachios will grow in Zones 10 or 12. These zones stretch from California to New Mexico. Some nut trees require both male and female plants, while others, depending on variety, are self-pollinating. Make sure you have enough room if you need more than one.

  Gardeners and nurseries in the West often use the climate zones delineated by the "Sunset Western Garden Book" over those outlined in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The 24-zone climate map created 40 years ago by "Sunset Magazine" addresses the unique Western climate and elevational differences that can occur within short distances (see Resources).

Growing Almonds

• Almonds are hardy trees and loosely related to the peach. Since they produce more nuts in a hot, dry climate, they make a good choice for a desert nut tree selection. Almonds grow to about 30 feet tall and wide. If you live in Sunset Zone 10 or 12, late frosts will be your main concern as they can destroy your crop while the nuts are forming. It is a good idea to plant varieties that bloom a little later, such as "Hall" or "Mission" if you live in these two zones. Zone 13 is rarely a problem. Almonds need a pollinating partner, so you will need at least two trees. They do not have to be the same variety, but do need to bloom at the same time.

Growing Pecans

• Pecan trees thrive in the intermediate desert, with the proof being that the largest pecan grove in the United States is located south of Tucson, Arizona. Pecans will set fruit without cross-pollination, but will produce more if there is another tree near by. Some varieties to choose from include "Mohawk," "Pawnee," "Western Schley" and the "Wichita" cultivars. Pecan trees need a lot of room, and they grow to nearly 70 feet tall and wide. They need regular water and spraying with zinc sulfate to prevent zinc deficiency, which is a problem in desert soils.

Growing Pistachios

• Pistachios are hardy in Sunset Zones 10 and 12. They do not self-pollinate, so you will need at least one male and female tree that bloom at the same time. They produce better in Zone 10, since like fruit trees, they need a certain number of winter chill hours to produce well. You may get a crop from trees planted in Zone 12, but they are not reliable. "Peters" is the usually the only male choice and "Kerman" the female. Pistachios need regular water to produce well, but let the soil dry out a little between waterings. Widely spaced deep soakings are preferable to shallow and frequent.