Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cashew tree is a plant that produces the cashew nut. The tree is native to Brazil, but is now grown in many tropical countries. The cashew nut is eaten as a snack, and is also used in many cuisines. The tree is also grown for its wood and for its fruit.

Also known as

• Cashew plant
  
• Cashew tree
  
• Cashew vine
  
• Cashew fruit
  
• Cashew blossom

Good to Know

• The cashew tree is native to the Brazilian Amazon region.
  
• It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac.
  
• The tree can grow up to 12m (40ft) tall and has a dark, reddish-brown bark.
  
• The leaves are large and compound, with each leaflet being 3-5cm (1-2in) long.
  
• The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers which are followed by the cashew fruit.
  
• The fruit is known as a cashew apple and is 5-9cm (2-5in) long.
  
• The apple is edible, but the seed (or cashew nut) is the part that is most often consumed.
  
• The cashew nut is encased in a hard shell which contains a caustic oil. This needs to be removed before the nut can be eaten.
  
• Cashews are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  
• Cashews are commonly used in Indian cuisine, often being made into a paste or used as a garnish.

Related plant:
Cashew Nut Tree

How to Grow

1. For cashew tree, first step is to find a good location for planting. The tree grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
   
2. Then, till the soil in the planting area and remove any rocks or debris.
   
3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
4. After that, place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. Once the tree is planted, water it deeply.
   
6. For the first few years, water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
7. Fertilize the cashew tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. In order to encourage fruiting, prune the tree annually.
   
9. The cashew tree will produce its first crop of nuts after 3-4 years.
   
10. Harvest the nuts when they fall from the tree.

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cashew tree can be grown in a wide range of soils, including both sandy and loamy soils. However, to get the best results, it is important to choose a location that has good drainage. Cashew tree is also tolerant of salt and can even be grown in coastal areas.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, the cashew tree needs sunlight to grow. Without sunlight, the leaves of the tree will begin to turn yellow and eventually die. The tree will also produce less fruit. Therefore, it's important to plant the tree in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that the cashew tree grows best in are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The tree cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees or above 35 degrees. The ideal temperature range for cashew trees is between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% and they are quite tolerant to a range of 40-60%. anything outside of that range can be detrimental to the plant. too much humidity can lead to root rot, while not enough can lead to the tips of the leaves turning brown and eventually dying.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's own leaves, is added to the top of the pot. The roots of the cashew tree penetrate the leaf layer and reach down to the bottom of the pot to access the water and nutrients stored there.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a important step in keeping your cashew tree healthy and vigorous. By selectively pruning out old, diseased or non-productive branches you allow the tree to channel it's energy into new growth. This also opens up the canopy of the tree to allow in more sunlight and air circulation, both of which help to prevent fungal diseases.

The Propagation

Propagation is best accomplished by seed, although cuttings may also be used. The nuts are sown in well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. In areas with high humidity, the nuts should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Planting depth should be 4 to 6 times the diameter of the nut. After germination, which takes place within 3 to 4 weeks, the seedlings should be thinned to stand 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) apart. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies come from Brazil, India, and African countries. In India, the average growth rate of cashew trees is about 1 meter per year. In Africa, the average growth rate is slightly higher, at 1.2 meters per year. Brazil has the highest average growth rate, at 1.5 meters per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are generally related to pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and caterpillars can infest the tree and feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit. Diseases such as powdery mildew, blackspot, and root rot can also affect the tree. Nutrient deficiencies can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor fruit production.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water the cashew tree regularly.
  
• Fertilize the cashew tree once a month.
  
• Prune the cashew tree regularly to encourage growth.
  
• Place the cashew tree in an area with full sun exposure.
  
• Growing cashew trees in pots is possible, but make sure to use a large pot.
  
• When growing cashew trees indoors, make sure to provide them with enough light.
  
• Keep the soil of the cashew tree moist but not waterlogged.
  
• Avoid planting cashew trees in low-lying areas where water can easily accumulate.
  
• Check for pests and diseases regularly and take action accordingly.
  
• Harvest the cashew nuts when they are ripe.

You May Like

• Anacardium occidentale (cashew tree)
  
• Mimusops elengi (Medlar, Bullet tree, Spanish elm, Indian Medlar tree)
  
• DialiumIndicum (Talisay tree, Blackbean tree, Tagalag, Talisay-nilad, Palawan-talisay)
  
• Malpighia glabra (Barbados Cherry, Acerola)
  
• Morus nigra (black mulberry, blackberry mulberry)
  
• Sapindus marginatus (Java Plum, Indian Soapberry)
  
• Spondias pinnata (ambarella, hog plum, Otaheiti apple, yellow mombin)
  
• Strychnos nux-vomica (Strychnine tree, Poison-nut, Bitter almond, Nux-vomica tree)
  
• Theob

Source:
Plant ID: Fruits & Nuts: Cashew - University of Florida
Cashew - drysrhu.edu.in
Cashew-Anacardium occidentale - University of Wisconsin–La …