The pistachio nut is very well known, but the plant is rarely grown in temperate climates. However the plant grows very well as a container plant, if it is protected against frost during the winter. The pistachio is dioecious, so both a male and a female plant are required for fructification. The nuts consist for 50% of fats and are rich in vitamins and minerals. The plants prefer a sunny stand, and need to be put indoors before it starts freezing. 

Sowing description: Soak the seeds for a few hours in lukewarm water, after which they can be sown in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly lightly moist, cover it with plastic foil or glass and let the seeds germinate at a warm spot indoors (25-30degC would be perfect). 

Family: Anacardiaceae
Scientific name: Pistacia vera
Common name: Pistachio
Native to: Central Asia

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 0 degrees Celcius

Photo 1: Javier Martin
Photo 2: Andrea Moro (CCA-3.0)