Pistachio Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by Jo Cosgrove | Ecological Gardener, Horticulturist, and Educator – last update on December 2, 2021

Planting instructions

Climate is critical when it comes to growing pistachios. It is possible to grow them in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11, but they will thrive where it is hot and dry. Pistachios do best when they have scorching summer days of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Winter temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below chill them into dormancy. You now know the pistachio’s favorite place to be. They do not care for high elevations, extended freezing temperatures, or humidity.

Choose a sunny site with light, dry, sandy loam that is well-drained. Pistachios cannot stand wet roots. Place the trees at least 20 feet apart, but no further than 50 feet. They can grow up to 30 feet tall with taproots that go just as deep. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and place the tree inside. Slowly backfill, and add any soil amendments, while being careful not to disturb the roots. Tamp the soil down and water thoroughly.

Because pistachio trees produce an irritant that causes contact dermatitis, or a rash, care should be taken when working with the plant.

Watering and nutrients

With its deep taproots, the pistachio tree can survive intense drought conditions. Water the pistachio often, and deeply, until established. After that, it will appreciate regular watering, especially while in fruit production. Do not water during the winter or when receiving heavy rains. Yellow leaves are a sign that the tree is getting too much water.

Pistachio trees appreciate spring and fall feedings of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Follow the directions, and sprinkle around the base of the tree, and under the canopy, then water.

Pollination

Pistachios are fruit trees that have both male and female trees. They are wind-pollinated, so you must have at least one of each if you intend to harvest any nuts. Keep the breeze in mind when planting your trees. The pollen from the male needs an easy path to reach the female trees. It is possible to have male branches grafted onto female trees to provide you with the best of both worlds.

If you have more space, the ideal ratio for optimal nut production is one male tree planted upwind of every 10 to 15 females.

Pruning

Most pistachio trees do not need heavy pruning. Proper maintenance, and early shaping, can keep the tree healthier and more productive. Clear out any dead, or dying, branches that may encourage fungal growth or pests. Remove crossing branches that are rubbing on others, and keep the center of the tree open. The best time for pruning is during the winter, while the tree is dormant, but it is okay to do clean-up pruning any time. Always disinfect your pruning tools before and after each use, and with each tree.

Pests and diseases

Prevention and close attention plays a significant role in combating most pests and diseases. Cleaning up fallen debris under the tree helps keep pests and diseases from making a home. Watering only the tree’s base, instead of the foliage, can help deter some of the fungal attacks. In extreme cases, the use of a fungicide, or pesticide, may be necessary. Insecticides, and traps, help control six-legged pests that feast on pistachio trees.

Common pistachio tree diseases are blight, leaf wilt, powdery mildew, root rot, and wilt. Two of the worst insect offenders are pistachio psyllids and twig borers.

Harvesting

Pistachio trees are alternate bearing, meaning they produce heavily one year, light the next. Pistachios bear fruit (with nuts inside) after the first five to six years of growth. With proper care and the best location, they will reach peak productivity at about 15 years. Flowers form on new-growth branches in mid to late spring. Fruit sets and matures over the summer and is harvested in late summer or early fall.

Pistachios grow their fruit in clusters that are more like grapes than other nut trees. Once the hulls have turned a pretty pinkish-yellow it is time to harvest your pistachios. An easy method is to put a sheet or tarp on the ground and shake the tree. Ripe nuts will fall to the ground and are ready for their husks to be removed.

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