How many years does it take for pistachios to bear fruit?

Introduction to Pistachio Planting

Pistachios prefer an environment with plenty of sunlight. They generally grow in mountains at an altitude of 600 to 1,200 meters. They are suitable for planting in loose sandy loam with good drainage and rich in organic matter. They are not tolerant to waterlogging. Pistachios are mainly distributed in Syria, Iraq, Iran and southern Europe. Pistachio trees are suitable for planting in April in spring with a high survival rate. Common varieties include Kerman, Dahan, Silola, Tes, etc.

Pistachio planting results after several years

Pistachio trees grow slowly and have a long maintenance cycle. It takes 6 years for them to bear fruit, and the fruit-bearing rate increases year by year. The peak fruit-bearing period is 14-70 years after planting. Grafted seedlings begin to bear fruit in the third year and enter the peak fruit-bearing period after 6 years.

Grafted pistachio blooms and bears fruit

Grafted pistachios can bloom and bear fruit after 3 years of care, and will enter the fruit-bearing period in the 6th year. The key is to align the rootstock and the graft with the cambium of the cortex. In this way, branch grafting is used in spring. If it is cut grafting, it can be suitable for changing varieties or raising seedlings. Bud grafting is used in summer, which is mainly used for raising seedlings. To increase the survival rate, align the cambium and tie them with plastic strips.

Potted pistachio fruit

It takes at least six years for potted pistachios to bear fruit. They grow slowly and require careful care, sufficient water and fertilizer, and maintenance in the sun.

Why don't pistachios bear fruit?

Pistachios are dioecious, with a low pollination rate and generally low yields. It takes about four months from flowering to fruit ripening, depending on the variety. They are not resistant to low temperature environments, and areas with extreme winter temperatures below minus 26 degrees are not suitable for growing pistachios. In areas or years with extreme high temperatures of 39-43 degrees between July and September, pistachio kernels are full and of good quality.

Key points for pistachio planting

1. Appropriate water: The main root of pistachio is deep in the ground (7 meters) and the horizontal roots are well developed (10 meters). It is relatively drought-resistant, but is afraid of waterlogging. Areas with annual precipitation within the range of 200-400 mm and groundwater levels below 3 meters can fully meet the pistachio's demand for water. However, if there is little precipitation in summer or the soil is overly dry, there will be basically no yield.

2. Suitable light, heat and environment: Pistachios like light and are afraid of being hidden, and they are also relatively cold-resistant. As long as the annual average light intensity is not less than 2500-3000 hours (an average of about 8 hours of light per day), the light requirements of pistachios can be met, and they can withstand a temperature environment of more than 30 degrees below zero and more than 40 degrees above zero.