🌰 Pistachio Tree: Growing Guide
Pistachio Tree (Pistacia vera) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −10 to 42 °C (14–108 °F) in soil with a pH of 7.0–8.0. Space plants about 600 cm (236 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pistacia vera |
|---|---|
| Category | Nuts |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 600 cm (236 in) |
| Soil pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −10 to 42 °C (14–108 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 400–700 cm (157–276 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Very drought tolerant.
Growing tips
Aegina pistachio (PDO)! Male and female trees are needed. 5–7 years to first fruit. Worth the wait!
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Pistachio Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Pistachio Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Very drought tolerant.
Pistachio Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 600 cm (236 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Pistachio Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Pistachio Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Olive.
Pistachio Tree: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Alternaria.
Plan your garden
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