Central Asian pistachio

Source Data

Mountain pistachio from Tajikistan, or real pistachio, pistachio tree (lat. Pistacia vera)

Multi-stemmed tree or shrub 3-7 m high, most often with a dense hemispherical crown. The trunk is curved, usually inclined and ribbed. The bark on old branches is light gray, whitish; on annuals - gray and reddish-brown. The roots go 10-12 m deep and extend 20-25 m in width.

The leaves are alternate, usually trifoliate, with 3-7 leaflets. The leaves are dense, smooth, light green, 5-11 cm long, 5-6 cm wide.

Staminate flowers in dense, complex, rather wide panicles, 4-6 cm long; perianth of 3-5 oblong, filmy, unequal leaflets 2-2.5 mm long.

The fruits are large drupes, 0.8–1.5 cm long, 0.6–0.8 cm wide. The pericarp is easily separated (when ripe), cream, yellow-cream, pink, reddish, dark red or dark purple; the intracarp (stone) almost always has an oblique base, usually bluntly keeled on one side. The seed kernels are greenish, edible, and oily.

Blooms in March - May. Fruits in July - September. Leaves fall in October - November.

It bears fruit from the age of 7-8, abundant fruiting begins at the age of 15 and increases up to 100 years.

Pistachio is light-loving, heat- and frost-resistant, and easily tolerates frosts down to −30 °C. Prefers fertile, lime-rich soils, but grows successfully on gravelly substrates and limestone outcrops.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 (-29°C to -23°C).

Instructions

1. Growing Central Asian pistachio (Pistacia vera) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
2. Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat. Discard any floating seeds as they are likely non-viable.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
4. Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 2–8 weeks. Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation.
5. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
6. Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
7. Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and growing conditions. Young plants may need protection from extreme temperatures. Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.

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