The problem of selecting varieties of almonds for planting in California
is to choose the ones that are most marketable and at the same time to
secure best results in cross-pollination. At the present time there are
comparatively few varieties of almonds which have won and retained their
popularity with the grower and the trade. There are a number of reasons
for this condition. The cultural, climatic and soil conditions under
which the almond thrives are much more limited than for most of the
common deciduous fruits; the area of production in America is limited
largely to California; the industry is comparatively new, and in general,
there is not the great varietal variation in season, appearance, texture,
flavor and behavior that is found in the apple, peach, pear and similar
fruits. The comparatively rapid deterioration of fleshy fruits after
ripening makes a succession of varieties desirable to extend the period
of consumption. With almonds, the season of all varieties extends from
one harvest to the next, if properly handled. Growers are, therefore,
recommended to plant only standard, marketable varieties as far as
possible.
Early ripening varieties must be chosen. The crop must be in the hands of
the trade early, for the bulk of it is used in the holiday trade. This
is especially true with unshelled almonds. Early almonds only can be
harvested and sold before the bulk of the European shipments arrive.
The actual time of ripening of the different varieties is variable from
season to season, and in different sections or even different orchards
in the same season. Generally, harvesting commences early in August and
closes about the middle of October. The approximate order of ripening of
the better known varieties is shown in table IX.