How to Grow Cashew Nut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cashew nut tree is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 m (66 ft) tall. the leaves are arranged in an opposite pair and the flowers are small, white, and fragrant. the fruit is a drupe that contains a single seed, the cashew nut.

How to Grow Cashew Nut Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

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Things to Know

  • The cashew nut tree is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 m in height.
  • The tree is native to Brazil, but is now grown in many countries including India, Vietnam, and Tanzania.
  • The tree produces a drupe, which contains a single seed, the cashew nut.
  • The cashew nut is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
  • Cashew nuts are a good source of protein and dietary fiber.
  • Cashew nuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or cooked.
  • The cashew nut shell contains a caustic oil, which can be used in the production of lacquer and resin.
  • Cashew nut shells can also be used as fuel in boilers and furnaces.
  • Cashew nut trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as the cashew nut borer and the black twig borer.
  • Cashew nuts are processed to remove the caustic oil before they are consumed.

Planting Process

  1. For cashew nut tree, first step is to purchase a seedling or sapling from a nursery.
  2. The second step is to plant the seedling or sapling in a suitable location.
  3. The third step is to water the plant regularly.
  4. The fourth step is to provide the plant with adequate sunlight.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the plant regularly.
  6. The sixth step is to prune the plant regularly.
  7. The seventh step is to protect the plant from pests and diseases.
  8. The eighth step is to harvest the nuts when they are ripe.
  9. The ninth step is to dry the nuts.
  10. The tenth step is to store the dried nuts.

Related plant:
Cashew Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cashew nut tree will do just fine in many different types of soil as it is not a very demanding tree. It can even tolerate some salt in the soil. The tree does best in deep, well-drained soils, but it can also be found in poorer soils.

About light

Just like other trees, the cashew nut tree needs sunlight to grow. However, it is not a picky tree and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It is important to make sure that the tree gets enough sunlight, so that it can produce a good crop of nuts.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that a cashew nut tree needs to thrive are relatively warm conditions. The tree is native to tropical regions and needs average temperatures of around 23 to 27 degrees Celsius in order to produce nuts. The tree can tolerate some degree of cold, but it will not produce any nuts if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius for an extended period of time.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 55-75%. The plant grows well in average room humidity, but it can suffer if the humidity drops below 50% for an extended period of time. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will eventually die.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's own leaves, is rich in nitrogen and other minerals needed by the cashew nut tree. The tree's deep roots help anchor it in the loose, sandy soil and help it to access water during periods of drought.

About light

Pruning is a process of cutting and removing dead or diseased branches from a plant. It is important to prune cashew nut trees in order to promote new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. When pruning, be sure to cut at least 2-3 inches below the affected area.

Plant Propagation

Propagation : Cashew nut trees can be propagated by seed, rooting cuttings, or air layering. Seedlings are typically transplanted to the field when they are about 3 years old. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, 1- to 2-year-old trees and should be at least 18 inches (45 cm) long. Air layering can also be used to propagate cashew nut trees.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species of tree and the amount of rainfall in the area. However, growth rates can vary considerably even among trees of the same species. For example, some cashew nut trees may only grow a few centimeters per year while others may grow a meter or more. The amount of rainfall also affects the growth rate of cashew nut trees. Trees growing in areas with high rainfall will generally grow faster than those in areas with low rainfall.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mentioned below. 1. Pest and Diseases: Cashew nut trees are highly susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common pest problem is the mealybug, which can cause extensive damage to the tree. Other pests include aphids, scale insects, and mites. Diseases that can affect cashew nut trees include powdery mildew, black rot, and root rot. 2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Cashew nut trees can also suffer from nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit production. The most common nutrient deficiency is nitrogen, but cashew nut trees can also suffer from deficiency of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. 3. Weather Damage: Cashew nut trees are also susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and windstorms. Heavy rains can also cause damage to the tree, by causing the roots to rot. 4. Poor Soil Quality: Cashew nut trees also require well-drained, sandy soil in order to thrive. If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, it can lead to problems with the tree, including reduced growth and fruit production.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your cashew nut tree regularly, especially when it is first planted.
  • Place your cashew nut tree in an area that receives full sun for best growth.
  • Fertilize your cashew nut tree every few months with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth.
  • Prune your cashew nut tree regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it shaped nicely.
  • Inspect your cashew nut tree regularly for any pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest your cashew nuts when they are ripe and enjoy them fresh or roasted.
  • Store any surplus cashew nuts in a cool, dry place for later use.
  • Share your cashew nuts with friends and family so they can enjoy them too!
  • Use caution when handling cashew nuts as they can be sharp and cause injury.
  • Enjoy your cashew nut tree and all the tasty cashew nuts

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Source:
Plant ID: Fruits & Nuts: Cashew - University of Florida
Cashew - Wikipedia - Al-Quds University
(PDF) Cashew-nut tree exudate gum: Identification of an ... - Academia.edu

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