Troubleshooting
Almond 'Marcona' problems — and how to fix them
Almond 'Marcona' (Prunus dulcis 'Marcona') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Needs a pollinator
'Marcona' is largely self-incompatible and sets a full crop only with a compatible, overlapping-bloom variety nearby and active bees.
Spring frost damage
Blossoms opening in late winter to early spring are vulnerable to frost. A warm, sheltered, frost-draining site protects the crop.
Brown rot and hull rot
Wet spring or late-summer conditions cause blossom blight and hull rot. Remove mummies, prune for airflow, and manage irrigation at hull split.
Birds and squirrels
The rich kernels attract wildlife as nuts ripen. Netting or early harvest at hull split protects the crop in home plantings.
Prevent almond 'marcona' problems before they start
Most almond 'marcona' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for almond 'marcona' in general rather than its problems? Read the full almond 'marcona' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Almond 'Marcona' problems — FAQ
Why is my almond 'marcona' needs a pollinator?
'Marcona' is largely self-incompatible and sets a full crop only with a compatible, overlapping-bloom variety nearby and active bees.
Why is my almond 'marcona' spring frost damage?
Blossoms opening in late winter to early spring are vulnerable to frost. A warm, sheltered, frost-draining site protects the crop.
Why is my almond 'marcona' brown rot and hull rot?
Wet spring or late-summer conditions cause blossom blight and hull rot. Remove mummies, prune for airflow, and manage irrigation at hull split.
Why is my almond 'marcona' birds and squirrels?
The rich kernels attract wildlife as nuts ripen. Netting or early harvest at hull split protects the crop in home plantings.