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
Pistachio Production Manual
Good Agricultural Practices Manual, Guidelines for California Pistachio Growers
Nurseries that supply pistachio rootstock and grafted pistachio trees (male and female)
RMB 2570 Murray Valley Highway Robinvale, Vic 3549
- Phone: 03 5026 9310
- Mobile: 0400 445516
- Fax: 03 5026 9234
- Postal: RMB 2570 Murray Valley Highway, Robinvale,Vic 3549
- Email: phil.hewett@cmv.com.au
- Website
Nursery & Office Location: 833 Kenley Rd, Kenley Vic 3597
- Postal: 762 Kenley Road, Kenley Vic 3597
- Office Phone Line 1: +613 5038 8238
- Office Phone Line 2: +613 5038 8220
- Fax: 08 9622 9513
- Mobile: 0428 181 689
- Email: contact link via website below
- Website
Saunderson Road, Leeton, NSW
- Contact: Michele Valier
- Phone: 0417 538 769
- Email: info@riverinanutcompany.com
- Website
Pistachio Nut Tree Nursery
“The Farm” Hooper Road, Grass Valley (via Northam)
- Postal: PO Box 429 Northam WA 6401
- Phone: 08 9622 9513
- Fax: 08 9622 9513
- Mobile: 0428 181 689
- Email: wapistachios@wn.com.au
- Website