Do Pistachios Grow on Trees?
- Pistachio trees thrive in the very warm conditions found in the states of the desert southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and southern California), where summer temperatures frequently top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree's dormancy period, however, requires frequent winter temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Pistachios are tolerant of myriad soil conditions, but mostly prefer a deep, well-drained, sandy loam soil.
- Pistachio trees begin producing nuts within their fourth or fifth year of maturity, but a high yield is typically not possible until the seventh or eighth growing season, or even well into the 12th season. An average commercial orchard will produce around 2,000 to 3,000 lbs. of pistachios per acre of pistachio trees. Trees are shaken with machinery to loosen the nuts from the branches. Producers then remove the shucks of the pistachio, dry, salt and roast the nuts before they are brought to market. Producers dry the pistachios thoroughly to ensure a longer shelf life (pistachios with a moisture content of 5 percent or less can keep for a very long time without refrigeration).
- Nut output is not a constant for pistachio trees. After a certain number of years (wholly dependent on the individual tree in question) the pistachio tree's production diminishes to once every two years, and continues to decline from that point on. Nut production is directly proportional to flower and bud production. If you grow your own pistachio trees at home and notice diminished nut production, don't assume that this diminished production is due to disease or other tree health problems.
- Verticillium wilt, cotton root rot and crown rot are all very common diseases of the pistachio tree. Additionally, pistachios are often bothered by stinkbugs, leaf-footed plant bugs, navel orange worms and several species of mites. Carefully monitor your pistachio trees for symptoms of these diseases and pests, and act to inhibit them immediately if you discover that your tree is suffering from one or more of these problems. Doing so ensures not only the longevity of your pistachio trees, but the safety of the pistachio nuts harvested from the trees.
