The pistachio tree is a small tree, almost a shrub, with magnificent foliage and delicious fruits. However, among the many varieties of pistachio trees that exist, only one produces the famous pistachios that we know: it is Pistacia vera. As for other ornamental pistachio trees, they have beautiful deciduous or evergreen foliage. Here are our tips on planting, caring for and harvesting the pistachio tree.

1 – WHERE DO PISTACHIOS COME FROM – CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PISTACHIO TREE

• The pistachio tree is a deciduous plant that tolerates low water and hot temperatures without problem. It has a height that does not exceed 10 meters, although its roots can go very far in search of sources of humidity. Its trunk has a hard and rough bark, and one of its curiosities is that we can determine the age of the tree by the color of its branches, which are at first orange or reddish, and which become more dark over time.
• Its seeds, that is, the pistachios that we and other animals subsequently consume, are covered with a hard shell, which splits in two when they have reached sufficient maturity. At this time, the seed is released and falls to the ground, producing a new pistachio or buckwheat tree.

2 – WHEN TO SOW IT?

• Pistachios are fruits that come from the Pistacia Vera plant, which is an evergreen tree native to Asia that reaches a height of 10 meters. To obtain a specimen and be able to enjoy it in the orchard or even in the garden you can buy the seeds or plants already grown in spring, since this will be when they will have to be sown or planted as the case may be.
• Although in this article I will talk about planting, you should know that the plant has deep roots, so it is highly recommended to place it about 5-6 meters from walls and any other construction so that there is no have no problems in the future.

3 – PLANTING THE PISTACHIO TREE

• The pistachio tree must be planted in well-drained, slightly calcareous soil. It requires good exposure to the sun in order to take advantage of the heat to grow.
• It is recommended to plant pistachio trees in autumn. This allows them to root more easily until spring. It is advisable to prepare the planting of pistachio trees at least 1 month in advance. To do this, the hole must be dug using loosening and basic fertilization.

4 – CARE OF THE PISTACHIO TREE

• The botanical genus Pistacia does not require special care. It is possible to carry out some pruning, but above all to eliminate dead wood and branches that are too low or annoying.
• Even though the pistachio tree tolerates drought well, it is necessary to monitor watering during the first years of growth.
• Water when the soil is dry for the first 2-3 years after planting.
• If you think your soil is poor, surface it by hoeing the soil with a claw and then depositing potting soil. You can carry out the operation once or twice a year (in spring and autumn). If your soil is heavy, use the same process, but with a sand-soil mixture to gradually improve drainage.

5 – DISEASES AND PESTS OF THE PISTACHIO TREE

• The main pests that attack the pistachio tree are red spiders and aphids.

6 – HARVESTING PISTACHIOS

• Its seeds, pistachios, are a wonderful addition to an aperitif. Obtaining seeds is quite difficult. Pistacia vera is dioecious, the synchronization of flowering of male and female pistachio trees is essential for production.
• To obtain the pistachio flower, cross-pollination is necessary and a male and a female tree must be planted. If flowering does not occur at the same time, it will be necessary to resort to artificial pollination by collecting the male inflorescences to spray the pollen on the female flowers.