Type
light-colored, needs pollinizer
Almond variety
Nonpareil Almond
The leading California shelling almond, valued for a soft shell and attractive, high-quality kernel. It needs compatible pollen from another almond cultivar.
Season
late summer to early fall
Best for
fresh nuts and home orchards with pollinizers
About Nonpareil
Nonpareil is the leading California soft-shell almond, prized for its light-colored, smooth kernel and high-quality appearance. It blooms early and is not self-fertile.
Growing Nonpareil Almond
Plant compatible, overlapping-bloom pollinizers and ensure bee activity during bloom. Nonpareil is vulnerable to spring frost because of its early flowering, and harvest begins when hulls split and dry.
Full growing guide
For planting, care, pollination, and harvest that apply to all almond, see the complete guide.
How to grow AlmondOther almond varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; chill hours, hardiness, and pollination vary, so confirm suitability for your zone. Availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.