All about Badam tree: How to grow, varieties, benefits and more

Badam tree or Almond tree, widely known for the fruit (drupe) it bears, is a very resourceful tree that can be grown in your home garden. Originating from Central Asia, and more specifically from Iran, this tree has proven to be very useful in a comprehensive variety of industries ranging from medical to cosmetics.

Not only is the fruit that is the almond seed, but the leaves and the tree's bark are also very versatile in their uses. The almond seed is eaten, cultivated, and commercialized on an enormous scale around the world.

In this article, we'll look at how to grow the Badam tree, post plantation care, varieties of the Badam tree, harvest the almond seed, uses, and finally, the benefits of the Badam tree.

How to grow Almond tree

The Almond tree has some specific requirements to flourish to the fullest. So, here are a few things that you should keep in mind before growing an almond tree. These are listed below-

The Badam tree grows well in hot and dry environments.
Well-drained loamy soils are preferable for the process.
Don’t overwater the plant.
However, the Badam tree may also grow in other soil types; the soil must be well-drained. If this factor is ignored, the plant may die.

There are two ways to grow the Badam tree. One is by using seeds; the other is by planting a plant. Both the seeds and the plant can be bought from a nursery. Given below is a brief description of both the methods-

1. By seed method

Seed method procedure will require a lot of time and patience. The steps that you need to follow are listed below-

To grow a Badam tree, the first and foremost step would be to select excellent quality seeds.
It is crucial to remember that the probability and percentage of a plant germinating from the seeds are very low. Therefore, it is advised to grow a bare minimum of fifteen to twenty seeds at a time.
Keep the seeds in a wet towel or soaked tissue paper.
Now, place that tissue or that towel where there’s a constant temperature of 15 to 20 degrees.
From here on, in no less than twenty days, the seeds will start germinating.
Once the germination process has begun, gently separate the seeds from the towel or the tissue paper you placed in earlier.
Take a container and add a layer of coco peat to it. Then place those germinated seeds into this container. Coco peat will absorb the excess water.
In about forty days, a plant will start to grow.
Then, after three months, this plant will be ready to be planted in the ground.

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2. By plant method

The Almond plant can be bought from a nursery anywhere between July and September. You may use these plants to grow an Almond badam tree in your house. A step by step guide is given below-

Sow the plant in the ground by digging a hole.
Press the soil around it gently. Don’t overwater this plant.
In about three to four months (in January), you may notice pink flowers blooming out of the tree.
Once the flowers start blooming, do not water the tree at all.
In about two months from there on (in March), the tree will bear fruit. This fruit will take an additional two to three months to ripen (by April or July).
You may harvest the fruit and use it for several purposes.

Post Plantation care for the Almond tree

It's necessary to take care of the tree post plantation to ensure its proper growth. Here are a few tips to secure an appropriate healthy growing environment for your tree-

It is necessary to prune the trees to allow sunlight during the winter season.
Pruning also eliminates any dead or diseased limbs that might be present.
It also boosts the growth of the tree.
Don’t drench the plant in water. Only add if the soil is arid.
Add fertilizers like urea or manure to establish a proper and healthy growing environment for your tree.

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Varieties of the Almond tree

It is essential to choose the suitable variety of the Badam tree, keeping in mind its characteristics, requirements, and climatic conditions. If not done so, the tree will either have stunted growth or may even die. You have to bear in mind the type of fruit you want.

Some varieties are named after where they grow, like the Bengal badam tree (Kath Badam tree). We've given a brief description of the best types of Badam tree-

1. Carmel

This variety produces a secure nut, aptly protected by its shell.
The flower made by this variety is an excellent pollinizer.

2. All in one

This variety has been labeled as the best variety suitable for your backyard.
The shell of the nut produced by this tree is soft.
It is not very tall, and that is why it is befitting for backyards.

3. Hall’s hardy

This variety bears pink flowers and is used widely for its aesthetic services
It is cold tolerant and hence is suitable for cold or marginal areas.

Harvesting the Badam tree

The harvesting process is quite simple, easy, and fun to do. Follow the given steps-

First off, you have to shake the tree till the nuts fall to the ground.
It is better if you lay down a cloth beforehand. It will make it easier to collect those almonds.
It is imperative to ensure that the nuts are dry before consumption.
To do this, you may either leave them on the same sheet out in the sun, or you may store them in a cool and dry place if there is a chance of rain.
After that, you may separate the shells from the nuts, and they’ll be fit for consumption.

Benefits and uses of the Almond tree

It is well known that only the central and south Asian countries like Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., provide a suitable climate for Badam trees to grow. But, due to its perks in health, cosmetics, and cooking benefits, it is being propagated and cultivated in warm regions worldwide.

Almonds have low sodium and cholesterol content. They are rich in calories, and that’s why they are a great energy food. People who practice veganism find almond milk an excellent substitute for regular milk.

Let's look at some benefits of the Badam tree and how it can be used in our day to day life-

1. Medicinal benefits

Badam or almond improves brain function. You can soak 9-10 almonds in water overnight and then consume them in the morning by peeling off their outer covering.
They are rich in essential fats, and that’s why they boost our memory too.
Soaked almonds are also beneficial in improving your digestive health.
Almonds are also prescribed during pregnancy because they ensure proper nutrition for the fetus and safe delivery.
Almonds are a significant source of vitamin E and antioxidants and reduce cholesterol levels. That is why they are also good for your heart.
They are a vital component of weight-loss diets.
Badam is also a good source of fiber (roughage) and is very helpful in treating constipation.
Badam trees in India, more specifically the leaves of the Badam tree, are also known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties.

2. Cosmetic uses

A paste or a pack can be made out of soaked almonds to treat dry, damaged, and chaffed skin.
As it was mentioned earlier, almonds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Due to these properties, they are also used as an anti-aging agent.
If your hair is damaged and there is extensive hair loss, and almond pack made from soaked almonds would suit you best. This pack will also add luster to your hair.

3. Importance in Ayurveda-

Indian almonds are used in the treatment of anemia. It contains iron which then boosts the flow of blood in our body.
If you suffer from anxiety, the consumption of almonds regularly will bring you some relief.
Eating Badam regularly will also keep your blood sugar in check.
Badam tree leaf is also used to treat diarrhea.

4. Cooking purposes-

Almond milk mixed with oats, almond smoothies are some excellent post-workout foods.
Almonds are widely used in baking to add more flavor or to decorate cakes, pastries, etc. Almonds are also added to chocolate bars to make them crunchier and flavorsome.
Roasted almonds make an excellent healthy snack. They are also used to make chutney (dips) that could be enjoyed with your dinner.
Badam Pista kulfi is very popular among all age groups and is savored as a great treat during the summer season.

Conclusion

Widely celebrated for its multiple uses and benefits, this tree would add a feather to your beautiful home garden or backyard. This tree will require your care, patience, and time. Only then will it be able to grow correctly and flourish.

If properly nurtured, this tree has a life span of twenty to twenty-five years. If your tree is healthy, it can produce up to eighteen kilograms of almonds in one harvest! If you take proper precautions and perform all the necessary steps while growing your tree, you can too reap the endless benefits of this tree.