Mountain Pistachio Seeds (Pistacia vera)

This is the cold-hardy mountain form of the edible pistachio (Pistacia vera, family Anacardiaceae), a deciduous tree of 4–10 m that grows high in the mountains of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Its mountain origin is what sets it apart from the usual orchard pistachio. The packet holds 5 or 10 seeds.

Also known as: Mountain pistachio, Cold-hardy pistachio, Tajik pistachio, Wild pistachio, Pistachio nut tree.

Why the mountain form

The seed comes from trees that grow at altitude in Central Asia, so it is the choice for a garden with cold winters where a standard pistachio would be a gamble. Hardiness is a trait of this mountain origin; we do not state a hardiness zone or a minimum temperature for this lot.

Sowing

• Stratify the seed for 1–2 months at 2–4 °C before sowing.
• Sow 2–3 cm deep in a sunny spot.
• Use well-drained sandy or loamy soil, neutral to slightly alkaline.

What the tree becomes

A small to medium tree of 4–10 m with a broad canopy and compound leaves of 3–5 oval leaflets. The fruit is a small cluster of hard-shelled nuts 2–3 cm long with a green kernel.

Plan for two trees and a long wait

Pistachio is dioecious: male and female flowers grow on separate trees, so nuts need both a male and a female tree. A tree raised from seed starts to crop after 5–7 years, and the peak crop comes after 10–12 years. You cannot tell the sex of a seedling when you sow, so plant several.

Water

Water moderately while young. An established tree tolerates drought and needs little water.

What you get

5 or 10 seeds of Pistacia vera, depending on the option you choose. We do not state a germination percentage for this lot.

FAQ

Will one tree give nuts?

No. Male and female flowers are on separate trees, so you need both.

How long until the first nuts?

5–7 years from seed, with peak crops after 10–12 years.

Do the seeds need cold treatment?

Yes. Stratify them for 1–2 months at 2–4 °C before sowing.