Almond growing in Spain: varieties and care

Among the various types of nut crops, almond cultivation in Spain is a key area where we install many of our moisture sensors.

Plantae specializes in the design, development, and marketing of wireless sensor technology aimed at water conservation and improved crop yields. We do not sell almond trees, nor do we provide advice on which specific almond varieties or types to plant in a particular area or region.
In this article—updated in March 2026—we outline the tree’s characteristics, ideal growing regions, irrigation and pruning methods, and the most important almond blossom routes to visit during winter or spring.

Characteristics of almond trees in Spain

Almond cultivation in Spain depends fundamentally on the following four factors:

• Risk of frost, particularly late frost. Almond trees bloom early—in some areas as early as late January, as explained later. The entire northern region is very cold, with frosts that can occur as late as May. This severely damages the blossoms and, consequently, the fruit.
• Temperature: high temperatures are not required. In the south and on the central plateau, irrigation is beneficial.
• Spring rainfall: excessive rain hinders pollination and increases relative humidity, which is also detrimental to the tree.
  Wind: strong winds destroy the blossoms, resulting in a smaller harvest.

Almond production areas in Spain

Maps showing the suitability of almond planting in Spain based on the following parameters:

• Spring rainfall.
• Affects pollination.

Almond Tree Care in Spain

When planting an almond tree, we work with a rootstock—commonly the *Franco-almendro* (seedling almond rootstock) in Spain—and the scion, which represents the specific variety.

Planting density depends on soil type and climate; while a standard density is approximately 150 trees per hectare (with 30% of the total being a pollinator variety), the use of irrigation systems—especially sensor-controlled ones—now allows for up to 1,000 trees per hectare.

If the chosen variety is self-incompatible, at least 30% of the planting must consist of a different variety to facilitate pollination; both varieties must share the same pollination timing.

Once planted, the tree should be staked for support.

Controlled Irrigation for Almond Trees

To ensure high-quality and high-volume almond production, controlling irrigation is paramount:

• The local climate influences almond production; therefore, irrigation schedules must be tailored to the climate, as almond yield is directly proportional to water intake.
• Peak water demand occurs during flowering and fruit formation. In spring, if rainfall is insufficient, irrigation must be used to meet the tree’s needs.
• Water stress negatively affects flowering, fruit formation, and bud development. In summer, water levels can be slightly reduced to encourage ripening, provided care is taken to prevent the leaf stomata from closing.
• In autumn, irrigation should be increased to benefit the tree’s next growth cycle.
• Controlled irrigation also influences canopy formation, which in turn reflects root development—as the root system grows in proportion to the canopy.
• The best irrigation method is drip irrigation equipped with moisture and conductivity sensors, as well as a flow meter. Subsoil conductivity indicates whether the soil is accumulating excess salts. Monitoring this helps ensure the well-being of the almond trees.

Plantae offers real-time monitoring, as well as the option to install a weather station to track chill hours and heat accumulation.
Intensive almond plantation monitored by Plantae sensors.

Sensors at two depths and a flow meter

Pruning stages

The first pruning takes place in summer to remove low-hanging branches.
During the first winter, the tree is pruned to retain the branches selected for its structural framework.
The main branches should form 120° angles with one another; this ensures a better distribution of secondary branches among the main ones later on.In the second winter, secondary branches are retained on the selected main branches.
If the tree’s growth is limited, it may be necessary to remove some of the secondary branches that have emerged from the main ones.In subsequent years—up until the tree begins to bear fruit—superfluous branches are removed, and the tree is allowed to grow upwards.
In subsequent years—up until the tree begins to bear fruit—superfluous branches are removed, and the tree is allowed to grow upwards.

Pruning schedule

Almond harvesting

Land ideally suited for growing almonds

Best areas to visit for the almond blossom in Spain

A feast for the eyes.

• Filabres and Alhamilla region (Almería): featuring gastronomic events and routes to view almond trees in bloom during February.
• From San José de Tirajana to Valsequillo (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria): trails through almond groves from late January to March.
• Isora (Tenerife): a February route to see the blossoms, plus a festival celebrating the almond harvest and processing in October.
• Guadalest Valley and Pop Valley (Alicante): blossoms can be seen from late January to early March; a landscape filled with almond trees and a major industry producing *turrón*, marzipan, and other Christmas sweets.
• Quinta de los Molinos (Madrid): one of the few places in the region where almond trees can be found; they bloom in early March.
• Campo de Cajitán (Murcia): a vast area offering a spectacular landscape throughout February.
• Villalpardo area (Cuenca): blooming in March, with a hiking route available.
• Guaro (Málaga): late January, thanks to its warm climate.
• Sierra de la Tramuntana (Mallorca): among other locations on the island offering this sight in January and February.
• Loarre (Huesca): spectacular scenery surrounding the castle in March.
• Garrovillas de Alconétar (Cáceres): festivities in early March.
• Valdelacalzada and Vega del Guadiana (Badajoz): late January and throughout February.
  
  

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