Pistachios Plant

In the USA they can be grown successfully in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10, and they're very tolerant of both drought and saline soil.

Where do pistachio trees grow best?

Pistachio trees grow best and produce the most nuts in an arid semi-desert climate with long, dry, hot summers, low humidity and cool but not frigid winters. During the growing season, pistachio trees thrive on heat. Summer temperatures of around 37 degrees Celcius produce large quantities of the best nuts.

How long does pistachio take to grow?

It will take about 7 – 8 years before you will receive a good yield of pistachios and 15 -20 years to reach peak production.

Can I grow pistachios at home?

If you have the patience, it's possible to grow your own pistachios. The trees thrive in hot, dry climates. You'll have to start with germinating seeds and growing pistachio trees before you can harvest pistachios. You can also buy grafted saplings rather than taking the time to germinate seeds.

Can you eat a pistachio off the tree?

On a darker note, pistachios that are not processed or harvested properly are not suitable for human consumption. Aflatoxin, a chemical which can cause cancerous mold, has been found in some mistreated pistachios and has led to breakouts of disease in some parts of the world.

How many pistachios can you get off of a tree?

Pistachio Tree Yield (1-2 kg) of dry nuts per tree, or 5,5 to 11 lbs. (2,5 to 5 kg) fresh harvested fruits. For a medium production, 7-10 years are required. At this age, a fair production ranges from 13 to 22 lbs.

How hard is it to grow a pistachio tree?

Growing pistachio trees requires a lot of patience and space, but the outcome is worth it. Pistachio nut trees are desert plants, so they are drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide temperature range. They are hardy to USDA zones 7-10.

Do you need two pistachio trees?

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.

Do pistachio trees need lots of water?

Although considered tolerant to drought, pistachio tree systematically gives higher yields when water is available, especially during the summer months. In general, water stress promotes the phenomenon of alternate bearing.

Do pistachio farmers make money?

Pistachio orchards can be a very profitable investment when properly established and managed by professionals. However, it should not be forgotten that for high profitability, every transaction should be done professionally from the very beginning.

Do I need a male and female pistachio tree?

The pistachio tree is dioecious (i.e. two houses”), meaning the male flowers are borne on one tree and the female flowers on another. Therefore, both male and female trees are required to produce nuts. The female flower is apetalous (no petals) and has no nectarines, thus does not attract bees.

How do you tell the difference between a male and female pistachio tree?

Identifying Pistache Flowers According to Virginia Tech, the male inflorescence has tight, clustered branches about 2 1/2 inches long. The female inflorescence has more loose, open branches about 6 to 8 inches long. Both male and female flowers are greenish with some red color, especially in the flower buds.

Are pistachios shells good for anything?

Shells from salted pistachios can also be placed around the base of plants to deter slugs and snails. Many craft uses for the shells include holiday tree ornaments, jewelry, mosaics and rattles. Research indicates that pistachio shells may be helpful in cleaning up pollution created by mercury emissions.

How long do pistachio trees live?

The pistachio tree can normally produce good yields from the 7th year of its age. Its productive life can reach 100 years or more. The pistachio belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.

Can you eat pistachio fruit?

Still, Pistacia vera is the only tree that produces edible fruits, which are commonly known as pistachios. The pistachio is native to Western Asia and the Middle East, and evidence indicates that fruits of the tree have been eaten for over 8,000 years (3, 4).

What happens if you eat a raw pistachio?

Both raw and roasted pistachios are safe if consumed in moderation. Raw nuts may carry harmful bacteria, but they are very healthy. So, they probably won't cause health problems as long as you keep track of your consumption. Roasted pistachios are not harmful in serving amounts.

What happens if you eat too much pistachio?

Pistachios have a high calorific value. This means they produce a high amount of heat after they are metabolized in the body. For this reason, consuming too many pistachios in a serving may lead to bloating and digestion problems. The irritable bowel movement after overeating pistachios is related to fiber.

Why can't pistachios touch the ground?

Because pistachio hulls and shells are often cracked when the nuts are harvested, they can be contaminated if they are in contact with the ground.

Why are pistachios no longer red?

Red pistachios became scarce by the 1980's because of a limit on pistachio imports from the Middle East, and a huge increase in American grown pistachios produced through advanced harvesting methods. There was no longer a need to dye the pistachios red because they no longer had unappetizing stains.

Why do they leave pistachios in the shell?

In order to roast and salt nuts like walnuts or cashews, producers need to remove the shell. But a very high percentage of pistachios develop a natural split in their shells during the growing process. They actually have been bred for that because it means they can be salted and roasted while still inside the shells.