Troubleshooting
Almond 'Nonpareil' problems — and how to fix them
Almond 'Nonpareil' (Prunus dulcis 'Nonpareil') 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.
No crop without a pollinator
'Nonpareil' is self-incompatible. It needs a different, overlapping-bloom variety such as 'Carmel' or 'Mission' within bee range, or it sets almost no nuts.
Frost loss at early bloom
Its early flowering exposes blossoms to spring frosts that destroy the crop. Plant in a frost-protected site with good cold-air drainage.
Hull rot
Fungi colonise splitting hulls in late summer and can blight nearby shoots ('strikes'). Managing irrigation and nitrogen at hull split, plus good airflow, reduces it.
Navel orangeworm
This is the key kernel pest; larvae enter at hull split. Winter sanitation to remove mummy nuts and timely harvest are the foundation of control.
Prevent almond 'nonpareil' problems before they start
Most almond 'nonpareil' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for almond 'nonpareil' in general rather than its problems? Read the full almond 'nonpareil' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Almond 'Nonpareil' problems — FAQ
Why is my almond 'nonpareil' no crop without a pollinator?
'Nonpareil' is self-incompatible. It needs a different, overlapping-bloom variety such as 'Carmel' or 'Mission' within bee range, or it sets almost no nuts.
Why is my almond 'nonpareil' frost loss at early bloom?
Its early flowering exposes blossoms to spring frosts that destroy the crop. Plant in a frost-protected site with good cold-air drainage.
Why is my almond 'nonpareil' hull rot?
Fungi colonise splitting hulls in late summer and can blight nearby shoots ('strikes'). Managing irrigation and nitrogen at hull split, plus good airflow, reduces it.
Why is my almond 'nonpareil' navel orangeworm?
This is the key kernel pest; larvae enter at hull split. Winter sanitation to remove mummy nuts and timely harvest are the foundation of control.