California is the world's largest producer of almonds. The hot dry summers of the San Joaquin valley are perfectly adapted for the desired growing conditions. The varieties that we offer expand the range so that they can be grown over a wider area of the US. An antifungal spray would be beneficial in wet climates to prevent disease. Zone 5-9. They have beautiful white blossoms in the spring and a delicious edible nut. In southern Europe and the Middle East almonds are often picked prematurely in the husk and pickled. All of these varieties have thin shells that are easily cracked. They can be eaten raw, roasted, sprouted, or made into a nut butter, nut meal or flour.