Pistachio varieties in Spain

If you are thinking of growing pistachios in Spain, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is to what variety of pistachios to plant. Not all pistachios are the same: some varieties stand out for their fruit size, others for their flowering season, and some are better adapted to the export market.

Choosing the right combination of female and male varieties not only influences the productivity of your farm, but also the final quality of the crop and the ease of harvesting.

In Spain, nine recognized varieties are mainly cultivated: Aegina, Avdat, Kastel, Kerman, Larnaka, Sirora, Golden Hill and Lost Hills.. Each one has unique characteristics that make it more suitable according to climate, soil type and irrigation system (rainfed or irrigated).

In this article we will explain everything you need to know about these varieties and how to choose the best one for your plantation.

Classification of pistachio nuts: female and male varieties

For a pistachio tree to produce fruit, a combination of the following is required female varieties, which are the ones that develop pistachio nuts, with male varieties, which provide the pollen necessary for fertilization. The usual proportion in commercial plantations is approximately 1 male tree for every 8-10 females.

Female pistachio varieties

These are the ones that produce the fruit and determine the size, flavor and opening of the pistachios:

• KermanThe most widespread in Spain and very appreciated in the market. Large fruit, but low percentage of open fruit.
• LarnakaMedium fruit, elongated with high percentage of production.
• AeginaMedium size and high production. Early flowering variety.
• AvdatLower production than Aegina, but higher percentage of open fruits.
• KastelPistachio nut of medium size and round, and low percentage of open.
• SiroraFruit of medium size and high percentage of open, medium flowering.
• Golden Hills: Pistachio nut of high production and high percentage of open fruit.
• Lost HillsPractically the same as the Golden Hills variety.

Varieties of male pistachio

Male pistachio varieties do not produce fruit, but they are essential because provide the pollen necessary for the female trees to develop pistachios. The correct choice of males and their location within the plantation ensures efficient pollination and optimum yield:

• C-SpecialSuitable variety to combine with Aegina, Larnaka and Avdat.
• PeterMale variety suitable for Kastel and Kerman.
• RandyCompatible with Golden Hills, Lost Hills and Sirora varieties.

The usual ratio in plantations is approximately 1 male tree for every 8-10 females, and the strategic location of the males in the field ensures that pollen reaches all female trees.

The correct choice of the male variety is as crucial as the selection of the female variety in order to achieve an abundant and quality crop.

Female Variety	Male correspondence
Aegina, Larnaka, Avdat	C-Special
Kastel, Kerman	Peter
Golden Hills, Lost Hills, Sirora	Randy

Varieties according to market and fruit characteristics

The choice of variety also depends on the commercial destination of pistachio and market preferences: some fruits are more in demand for consumption, while other varieties are valued for industrial use.

Varieties according to market

• Direct consumptionKerman, Kastel, Sirora, Golden Hills and Lost Hills stand out for their round shape and natural opening, qualities that make them attractive in the snack market.
• Industrial consumptionAegina, Larnaka, Avdat and Mateur are appreciated for their intense flavor in the industrial market.

Varieties according to fruit characteristics

To facilitate comparison between varieties, they can be grouped according to:

• Fruit sizeLarge (Golden Hills, Lost Hills, Kastel and Kerman) or medium (Larnaka, Aegina, Avdat and Sirora).
• Percentage of open: High percentage of open (Larnaka, Avdat, Golden Hills, Lost Hills and Sirora), medium percentage of open (Aegina) and low percentage (Kastel and Kerman).
• Production: High production (Aegina, Larnaka, Golden Hills, Lost Hills and Sirora) and medium production (Avdat, Kastel and Kerman).
• Fruit shape: Elongated (Aegina, Larnaka, Avdat) and round (Golden Hills, Lost Hills, Kastel, Kerman and Sirora).

Varieties according to cycle or flowering time

The flowering cycle is a key factor when choosing a pistachio variety, because it determines the synchronization between males and females and directly affects productivity. In addition, flowering time influences the risk of frost and the planning of irrigation and harvesting.

The varieties can be classified into three main groups:

• Early floweringVarieties that open their flowers at the beginning of the season, normally between the end of March and the beginning of April. Suitable for southern areas of Spain, where the cold does not last as long. Early flowering varieties: Aegina, Larnaka and Avdat.
• Medium floweringVarieties that bloom in mid-season, between April and May, therefore suitable for areas where winter is long, but there is no risk of late frosts. Varieties: Sirora, Golden Hills and Lost Hills.
• Late floweringLate flowering varieties: Varieties that flower at the end of the season, usually in May. Suitable for areas where the climate is slow to stabilize and late frosts are frequent. Varieties: Kastel and Kerman.

In order to ensure efficient pollination, it is essential to combining males and females that coincide in their flowering period, adjusting the proportion and location within the plot according to the size of the orchard.

How to choose the most suitable variety and its male correspondence

Choosing the right variety is not only a matter of choosing the type of market or fruit characteristics; the most important factor is the climate.

Here are the key steps:

1. Research the climatic conditions in your area:
   • Total hours of cooling and heating per year.
   • Risk of late frost or extreme temperatures.
2. Determine the market you want to target.
3. Select the female variety based on fruit characteristics, flowering cycle and market.
4. Choose the right male variety. Remember that flowering must coincide with the flowering of the selected female.

Best variety for rainfed and irrigated

Depending on the amount of water on your farm and whether you are going to have an irrigated or rainfed plantation, you can choose one variety or another to ensure maximum profitability.

Rainfed

In plantations without irrigation or with limited water resources, it is advisable to opt for varieties resistant to water stress and dry soils such as Larnaka or Sirora.

Irrigated

In plantations with available irrigation, higher productivity varieties, such as Kerman or Kastel, can be prioritized.

Rootstock varieties

Rootstock is the foundation of any pistachio tree and directly affects soil adaptation, disease resistance and tree vigor.

The most common rootstock in Spain is UCB1. For its high yield in the plantation, but above all for its high resistance to diseases.

Conclusion and final recommendations

Choosing the right variety of pistachio in Spain is not a simple whim: it depends on your climate, soil type, water availability and the market you want to target.

Plan the plantation by combining male and female pistachio varieties, The key to a profitable and quality crop, taking into account flowering, fruit characteristics and growing conditions, is the key to a profitable and quality harvest.

With this guide, you will be able to make informed decisions about what to plant and how to organize your farm, ensuring that each tree reaches its full potential and that your investment will result in an abundant and quality harvest.