![]() But where and how the nuts form is most unusual - they are not simply picked off the branches. They form on a small bushy shrub that grows only 30cm tall and 20cm wide, making them the perfect size for growing between other plants in the vegie bed. They might be referred to as nuts, but peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are actually highly nutritious legumes. Nuts mature in autumn and winter pick when they start to fall, then air dry. TO HARVEST: This slow-growing tree can take between 10-12 years to fruit. ![]() Water well in late spring and early summer when the tree is setting nuts. Most cultivars are self-pollinating, but planting two different cultivars will ensure optimum cross-pollination and nut development. Grow in part shade or full sun and plant in deep, moist and well-drained soil. If growing in warmer zones, a cool, elevated site is best. TO GROW: Pecans grow best in areas where summers are long and hot and winters are cold. Like macadamias, nuts grown from seed are not true to type, so it's best to buy a known or preferred variety that's grafted onto seedling rootstock. These trees can produce nuts for more than 100 years, so they are well worth the investment if you have the space. It's hard not to fall in love with the unique rich, buttery taste of pecans - just one bite will leave you craving for more! However, you will need a large garden to grow them, as pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) can reach up to 30m tall. Collect as they fall and sun dry for a few days. Harvest nuts when the outer coating splits and the fruit drops. TO HARVEST: Nuts will be ready for harvest after three years, however, after eight years, the tree should be bearing a significant crop. Water well, especially during summer, ensuring the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Plant in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil. They can grow in cold areas, provided the site is protected from cold wind. TO GROW: Almonds grow best in temperate or warm temperate climates. You will need two varieties for pollination but for suburban gardens look for self-fertile varieties like All-in-One or Dwarf Almond. They provide colour in the form of delicate pink or white blooms from mid-winter, giving shade in summer, and produce nuts after three years. The nuts grow on gorgeous compact trees, only 3m tall and wide, making them ideal for the average home garden. Whole, blanched, slivered, flaked and ground, almonds (Prunus dulcis) are one of the most useful nuts for adding texture and taste to your meals. Pick nuts and remove husks as soon as possible, then air dry in the shade for at least two weeks. ![]() The nuts mature during late autumn and winter, and will fall to the ground when ripe. TO HARVEST: Seedling trees can take up to seven years to fruit, but grafted trees will fruit in as little as three to four years. Trees will also benefit from a fortnightly liquid feed during the growing season. In spring and summer, feed with a complete fertiliser and water in well. Ensure the soil is moist, well drained and enriched with organic matter prior to planting. Plant young trees in full sun and protect from strong winds. However, there are certain varieties that will tolerate cooler climates and light frosts. TO GROW: Macadamia trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, but they will also grow well in frost-free, warm-temperate areas. You can grow them from seed, but they can take years to fruit and can be extremely variable, so it's best to buy grafted trees of known varieties like 'A286' or 'A4'. Macadamia trees can grow up to 20m in the wild, but will grow between 8-10m tall in most gardens. An Australian native, macadamias (Macadamia sp.) are one of the few bush foods sold on a commercial level - and it's great to have a go at growing your own. ![]() The luxurious, velvety texture and taste of macadamias make them one of the most-loved nuts in the world.
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