Kerman Pistachio
Kerman Pistachio is the most widely grown variety in California’s Central Valley and nearly all commercial production of pistachios come from Kerman. Kerman is a female variety and requires Peters for cross-pollination. Long hot summer are required to ripen pistachios. Transplant carefully and do not disturb roots. Pistachios grow very slowly to about 20-30 feet and are drought tolerant once established.
Latin Name: Pistacia vera
Site and Soil: Pistachios likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: UCB-1
Pollination Requirements: Kerman Pistachio requires Peters Pistachio for cross-pollination.
Hardiness: Pistachios are hardy to approx. 10º F.
Bearing Age: 3-5 years
Size at Maturity: 20-30 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Late Fall
Yield: 20+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Pistachios are bothered by various blights, verticillium wilt, Phytopthora and various pests depending on your climate.
USDA Zone: 8
Chill Hours: At least 800 chill hours