Pistachio Tree

The Pistachio Tree originates in the Middle East, particularly Persia, and has a history dating back thousands of years. Pistachios are highly cherished nuts and celebrated for their distinct taste and their association with hospitality and delight. These highly cherished green culinary nuts are treasured in Middle Eastern cuisine, used in ice cream, cookies, sweet dumplings, baklava, topped in rice and salads, and as a snack. Pistachio nuts are high in antioxidants, unsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carotenoids, making them a healthy addition to any diet. These trees are drought-tolerant once established and require occasional watering. Pistachio Trees produce pinnate leaves and clusters of delicious pistachio nuts and can reach heights of 20-30 feet. Enjoy these green gems of nuts from your very own trees!

Also Known As: Pista, Green Almond, Pistache, Antep Fistigi, Bronte Pistachio, Smiling Nut, Green Gold, Damasco Nut.

Plant Name:	Tree, Pistachio
Latin Name:	Pistacia vera
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	5 - 7 Years
Plant Height:	20 - 30 Feet
Spread:	15 - 30 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	7-12
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds 48 hours in hot tap water and let stand prior to sowing. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 6 weeks, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. Check every other day. Once roots are visible, sow in moist potting soil and place in a sunny area that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To germinate seeds, soak seeds 48 hours in hot tap water and let stand prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 15-30 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	15-30 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	30 feet

Care During the Season:

Pistacho Trees can produce high yields of delicious, nutritious nuts while remaining a hardy and resilient tree in warm, dry climates with care. Pistachio Trees are highly drought-tolerant once established. However, during the active growing season in spring and summer, they require deep but infrequent watering. Fertilization should be done in early spring with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote leaf and shoot growth. As the season progresses, phosphorus and potassium become more important for flower and nut development. At least one male tree is needed for pollination if nut production is desired. During the summer months, monitoring for pests. As fall approaches, watering should be gradually reduced to prepare the tree for dormancy.

Harvesting:

Pistachios are ready for harvest when the shells split open. Prepare a sheet on the ground beneath the tree, then harvest pistachios using a mechanical shaker or by hand using a rubber mallet, bat, or pole. Pistachios will fall off the tree when the branches are given a sharp shake.