Growing Pistachios

The pistachio (pistacia vera), a high desert tree, originated in western Asia and Asia Minor, made its way into Mediterranean Europe and now thrives in the dry climates of suitable areas of inland Australia.

To grow and bear fruit they require very hot summers (more than 600 hours >30C); very cold winters (more than 1,000 hours Summer and autumn rains may induce fungal problems and harvest difficulties.

Pistachio trees grow best and produce the most nuts in an arid semi-desert climate with long, dry, hot summers, low humidity and cool but not frigid winters. During the growing season, pistachio trees thrive on heat. Summer temperatures of around 37 degrees Celcius produce large quantities of the best nuts.

In pistachio, male and female flowers are produced on seperate trees.  A female tree planted singly will not produce nuts unless a male tree is growing nearby.  For the best chance of pollination, plant a male upwind of every 10 to 15 female trees.

Pistachio orchards are planted in areas with frequent but mild spring winds to pollinate the blossoms. After shedding their leaves in the fall, pistachio trees need a winter dormancy period of about 6 weeks with temperatures below 7.2 degrees Celcius.

A Handbook for Farmers and Investors

A good summary of growing pistachios under Australian conditions is in the book, published by the Rural Industries Development Corporation

Pistachio Production Manual

Another excellent source of information is the University of Californian Fruit and Nut Research Information Centre’s on-line manual

Good Agricultural Practices Manual, Guidelines for California Pistachio Growers

The California Pistachio Research Board published the Good Agricultural Practices Manual, Guidelines for California Pistachio Growers in 2009, again a good source of information.

Nurseries that supply pistachio rootstock and grafted pistachio trees (male and female)

CMV Farms – Pistachio Producers of Australia

RMB 2570 Murray Valley Highway Robinvale, Vic 3549

Chislett Farms Nursery

Nursery & Office Location: 833 Kenley Rd, Kenley Vic 3597

Riverina Nut Company

Saunderson Road, Leeton, NSW

WA Pistachios

Pistachio Nut Tree Nursery
“The Farm” Hooper Road, Grass Valley (via Northam)