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Pistachio trees and nuts can be grown in NZ, they have a slow-medium growth rate and trees will grow to around 6m tall.  They start to produce the little seed husks containing the nutritious, high protein nuts, in around five years, and it’ll take about 15 years for them to reaching maximum production levels.  As a biennial crop expect bumper crops every second year. 

Pistachio trees are not suitable for container growing, as they have a significant tap root. 

 

They will only grow if you can provide the following climatic conditions and requirements and be patient as it can take up to two years for your tree to settle in after being transplanted. 

Situation   Pistachio trees must receive full sun in summer – preferably for 7 months each year they need HOT, DRY direct sun with ideal temperatures above 25 ̊C, and winter they need COLD weather and NO FROSTS late spring during flowering.  Shelter from strong winds, we also recommend staking your tree to avoid any rocking. 

Soil   Well drained, fertile soil.  Mix well-rotted compost or organic matter, into the hold before planting.

 

Watering   Water during spring and summer months to ensure the soil around your tree has does not dry out completely.  

Feeding Add a well-balanced fertiliser, to the soil (away from the trunk) just before budburst in spring.   

Harvesting   Depending on location, generally harvest late summer, after the husks have turned a pink-reddish colour.   After harvesting the nuts are dried before processing or storing.

   

Pollination   Pistachio require cross-pollination, the “Sirora” (female tree) will require either of the male varieties available, “Marshall A” or “Marshall B”.