How to Plant Cashew Nut Tree

Cashew nut trees grow in tropical climates and thrive in sandy and well-drained soil. They are easy to care for and grow fast, producing the delicious cashew nuts we all love. Here are six steps to guide you on how to plant and grow your own cashew nut tree.

Step 1: Select a Suitable Site

Choose a site with sandy soil that drains well, and is in a location that receives plenty of sunlight but with some shade from direct heat during the hottest part of the day. Cashew nut trees should be planted away from low lying areas as they prefer good drainage. During the first-year plant life, it is important to protect them from strong winds which can uproot or damage young trees.

Step 2: Install Support Stakes

Cashew nut trees are sensitive to winds during the early stages of growth. To avoid the wind from uprooting the young plants, install support stakes at the spot where the cashew nut tree will be planted. These stakes will provide protection against the wind until the tree has established strong roots and can stand on its own.

Step 3: Prepare The Soil

The soil where the tree will be planted should be supplied with enough nutrients, which can be done by adding organic manure to the soil in the planting hole. This is done by digging a hole approximately two feet deep and filling it with a mixture of soil and manure. The manure will break down over several months and provide the nutrient-rich environment the cashew nut tree needs for healthy growth.

Step 4: Plant The Cashew Nut Tree

Plant the sapling in the prepared hole at the same depth it was planted in the original pot. Make sure the area around the plant is free of rocks and other debris and that the soil is well-compacted around the roots. After planting, water the tree until the soil is damp but not soggy. You can also consider mulching the base of the tree to retain moisture and maintain soil temperature.

Step 5: Water The Tree

Water is essential to the growth of cashew nut trees. Irrigate the plant daily during the first week and then reduce the frequency of watering to twice a week for the next two months. Once the tree is established, it will require only occasional watering, even during the dry season. Keep in mind that over-watering can damage the roots, so be careful not to saturate the soil.

Step 6: Prune The Tree

Regular pruning is necessary for cashew nut trees to produce high-quality nuts. The best time to prune your tree is after the main growing season, which occurs between February and March. This pruning clears out dead and diseased branches and promotes new growth in the tree. Pruning also encourages the tree to produce new nuts, increasing the yield and size of the nuts.

Now that you understand the process of planting and taking care of cashew nut trees, you can take action and start your own cashew nut farm. Keep in mind that patience is key, as it takes between three to five years before you can start harvesting the delicious cashew nuts. However, with proper care and maintenance, cashew nut trees can produce nuts for up to 50 years!