How To Grow A Cashew Tree Growing Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are easy to grow, but it requires a more specific environment and growing conditions. If you can provide that environment, then you can plant a cashew tree and enjoy the nuts and fresh fruits that are known as cashew apple.

Botanical Name: Anacardium occidentale

USDA Zones — 10 – 11

Other names — Maranon, Noix d’anacarde, Caju, Kaju, Mundiri, Kazu, Pajuil, Paringi mavu

Wondering where do cashews come from? To find out, click here!

Cashew Nuts Tree Growing Information

Cashew originates from the Caribbean Islands and the North East of Brazil. But today it is grown in several other tropical parts of the world, mostly in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Cashew trees can grow up to 6-12 meters (20-40 feet) high. Its evergreen leaves are oval, leathery, and dark green.

As for the fruits of this tree, do not be fooled by appearances. The cashew apple is oval-shaped, like a bell pepper–yellow, orange, or red in color is a false fruit (it is also edible). The real fruit, more discreet, is a nut attached to the end of the fake fruit. It is that which contains the edible kernel, which we call Cashew.

Here’s everything you need to know about whether cashews are poisonous.

How to Grow a Cashew Tree from Seeds?

Cashew trees can be grown from seeds, air layering, and grafting.

To propagate it from seeds, you will need a matured unshelled nut (seed). These seeds are viable for up to 4 months. If you have collected the fresh seed from the tree, dry it in the sun for 3 days and soak it in water overnight before sowing. Sow the seeds in a good quality seed starting mix; the seeds will germinate anywhere from 4 days to 3 weeks.

Can You Grow Cashew Trees in Pots?

Yes, it is possible to grow a cashew nut tree in a pot. To do so, buy a well-grafted tree from a nearby nursery and plant it in a medium pot. Once it outgrows the current pot in a few years, transfer it into one or two sizes bigger pot.

Here’s a list of the most exotic fruits from around the world

Requirements for Growing Cashew Nuts Tree

Position

Native to tropical regions, Cashew trees appreciate warm and humid climates. Ensure the tree receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Exposure to extended shade will inhibit fruit production and encourage pest infestation.

Soil

Cashew prefers a slightly acidic, well-draining loamy growing medium with a pH of 5.5 to 7. Never grow cashew trees in clay-rich soil, as it does not appreciate waterlogging at all. If growing in a container, ensure the medium is amended with plenty of perlite, vermiculite, sand, or birch chips to aid drainage.

Water

Cashew trees are moderately drought tolerant once established, but they produce more fruits if watered regularly. During the summer, water weekly or twice and deeply. Reduce or withhold watering during winter.

Overwatering can harm or even kill your cashew tree, so water only if the soil is dry and let the soil dry out between spells of watering.

Fertilizer

If growing a cashew tree in a pot needs regular application of fertilizer to thrive and produce fruits. Use a 10:5:5 blend for healthy plant growth. Alternatively, you can use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-5 weeks after diluting it to half of its strength.

Use slow-release fertilizer with N-P-K 8-3-9, according to the product instructions given on the packet, around the base of the tree every two to three months during the growing season. Also, apply compost or farm manure once a year, around 30 pounds (15 kg), on the surface of the soil around the base of a mature tree.

Cashew Tree Care

Pruning

Prune cashew trees regularly to remove weak, dead, and entangled branches and those that are infested with diseases or pests. Also, cut overcrowded branches to promote vigorous growth.

If you wish to create a canopy of a cashew tree, it is important to train it from a younger stage.

Mulching

Do mulching around your cashew tree with organic matter to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.

Pests and Diseases

The cashew tree is generally pest-free if it is in good health. Major pests that pose a serious threat include tea mosquito, stem and root borer, leaf Miner, and blossom Webber.

Keep a close eye on the leaves and blossoms, and take the necessary steps quickly when you spot pests or diseases.

Harvesting and Cashew Nut Processing

Harvest when cashew apples turn pink or red and cashew nut shells are gray. After harvesting, separate the cashew apple from the nut.

Cashew apples can be eaten raw or used in making juice. Unshelled cashew nuts can be stored for up to 2 years. Do not attempt to break the shell before roasting; the cashew shell contains very caustic oil that can burn skin.

When processing cashew nuts at home must wear gloves and safety glasses and take special care.

Check out our article on growing mango tree here

Cashew Nuts Growing Tips

Sow fresh cashew seeds for germination, as they germinate easily.
A tree grown from seeds take 3 to 5 years to produce its first fruits. Our recommendation is to buy a potted plant from a nursery. This way, you’ll not have to wait that long.
Choose a location that is well protected from the wind.
Cashew grows better when the temperature remains around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C). However, they can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C) and as high as 105 Fahrenheit (40.5 C) without any problem.
Keep the area around the base of your cashew tree free from weeds, small shrubs, vines, and debris.
Watch for sick or dead branches, and prune them if necessary.

Benefits of Cashew Nuts

One of the most delicious and healthiest nuts, cashews are an amazing source of nutrients, and not only the cashew nuts but their fruit is nutritious too. With several medicinal benefits, it is a rich source of vitamin C, five times more than an orange. It also contains higher amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin B1, which is more than most fruits.

George Dempsey
March 16, 2016 At 4:45 pm
where can I buy small cashew trees in Northern California (the San Francisco area)
Reply
Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:45 pm
California can be tricky; they don’t like having plants shipped to them (historically, due to invasive species).
I would suggest asking around your local plant nurseries and putting in requests where possible. I hope you find one and enjoy your experience with growing your garden.
Reply
Sham Rao S Halmandge
May 21, 2017 At 7:21 am
Good info about cashew nuts growing. What distance to grow between tree to tree?
Reply
Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:48 pm
As a rule, give at least 2.5 to 4 meters in space for roots of large trees. If unsure of where to plant, start in pots. Make sure to keep them 2.5 to 4 meters from the foundation of your home so the roots don’t hurt your house. I hope this helps. Happy gardening!
Reply
K. Somasekharan Nair
July 9, 2017 At 3:38 pm
I would like to know the distance between tree to tree while planting. Can you please let me know this info?
Reply
Soladoye Adeyemo
August 5, 2017 At 1:34 pm
you can use 9m by 9m
Reply
K. Somasekharan Nair
July 9, 2017 At 3:39 pm
please let me know the distance between tree to tree while cultivating..
Reply
Aboode
September 24, 2017 At 10:29 pm
From where you can get the cashews seeds
Reply
JOHN BARNHILL
September 29, 2017 At 9:03 am
where can I get or order cashew plants
Reply
Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:50 pm
Depending on your state, it can be extremely difficult for shipping. I’d try to find seeds or a start from a local nursery. Happy gardening!
Reply
kitten
November 4, 2017 At 12:42 am
ISNT THE CASHEW NUT POISONOUS UNTIL IT IS PROCESSED?
Reply
Neil
April 15, 2018 At 11:25 am
Read the article!
Reply
Louise
January 22, 2018 At 2:17 pm
I would like to know could you grow a cashew tree in a pot
Reply
Alhassan u jalloh
February 27, 2018 At 3:22 pm
I am planting it now with my group (help our Home organization) in Sierra Leone so how long will it take to providing fruit,
Reply
Beverly
July 19, 2019 At 12:56 pm
The article said 2 to 3 years.
Reply
Abu s Konneh
June 7, 2018 At 1:36 am
I love farming presently I,m planting cashew nut
Reply
Chris nyce
September 16, 2018 At 9:35 pm
Is there only 1 nut on each cashew apple???
Reply
Israel Arinze
October 21, 2018 At 3:49 pm
Am planning on having a bee garden and I want to add cashew trees into the garden. But I need to know how many times cashew produces it fruit in a year?
Reply
Ahmad shah Ahmadzai
November 3, 2018 At 5:55 am
Is it a temperate,Tropical or sub tropical climate fruit, please know me.
and which country is the rich producer of this, if possible please know me about its internationally export and import.
Reply
Fritz Kodagoda
March 5, 2019 At 2:34 pm
I found this article very informative and useful. I have been growing Cashew in Sri Lanka for a very long time but I learnt something new reading this. I’m planning to grow Cashew more systematically now on my land in Koralegama in the Kurunegala District in the Dry Zone where Cashew grows well. Last year I planted some bud grafted plants and surprised to find the plants flowering now.
Reply
Martin Ndedya
March 6, 2019 At 5:14 am
The article is very informative
Reply
Beverly
July 19, 2019 At 12:57 pm
Where can I get the seeds to grow into trees?
Reply
lulu
July 9, 2021 At 9:18 am
Google can provide a good answer to that.
Reply
Joey
August 10, 2019 At 6:14 pm
Where can I buy small cashew trees and star apple? I’m from Southern California. Also can the trees be planted in a pot.
Reply
Sakui Lawubah
September 25, 2019 At 11:24 pm
Thanks for this beautiful information . How long should the seedling remain on nursery ?
Reply
Morton Grimm
February 23, 2021 At 1:39 am
I agree with you
Reply
John
February 24, 2021 At 4:24 pm
How long does it take to invest from your cashew tree
Reply
Theresa Burdett
June 26, 2021 At 12:30 pm
Why no mention of mango varieties grown in SA.
Reply
Deepak Kumar
January 15, 2022 At 3:44 pm
Cashew net fruit raw material varrite and rate
Reply
Tracy Hendershott
July 14, 2022 At 12:01 am
It has been 4 years now. Would love to hear an update on your trees.
Reply
Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:45 pm
California can be tricky; they don’t like having plants shipped to them (historically, due to invasive species).
I would suggest asking around your local plant nurseries and putting in requests where possible. I hope you find one and enjoy your experience with growing your garden.
Reply

where can I buy small cashew trees in Northern California (the San Francisco area)

California can be tricky; they don’t like having plants shipped to them (historically, due to invasive species). I would suggest asking around your local plant nurseries and putting in requests where possible. I hope you find one and enjoy your experience with growing your garden.

Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:48 pm
As a rule, give at least 2.5 to 4 meters in space for roots of large trees. If unsure of where to plant, start in pots. Make sure to keep them 2.5 to 4 meters from the foundation of your home so the roots don’t hurt your house. I hope this helps. Happy gardening!
Reply

Good info about cashew nuts growing. What distance to grow between tree to tree?

As a rule, give at least 2.5 to 4 meters in space for roots of large trees. If unsure of where to plant, start in pots. Make sure to keep them 2.5 to 4 meters from the foundation of your home so the roots don’t hurt your house. I hope this helps. Happy gardening!

Soladoye Adeyemo
August 5, 2017 At 1:34 pm
you can use 9m by 9m
Reply

I would like to know the distance between tree to tree while planting. Can you please let me know this info?

you can use 9m by 9m

please let me know the distance between tree to tree while cultivating..

From where you can get the cashews seeds

Velma Frost
June 26, 2021 At 8:50 pm
Depending on your state, it can be extremely difficult for shipping. I’d try to find seeds or a start from a local nursery. Happy gardening!
Reply

where can I get or order cashew plants

Depending on your state, it can be extremely difficult for shipping. I’d try to find seeds or a start from a local nursery. Happy gardening!

Neil
April 15, 2018 At 11:25 am
Read the article!
Reply

ISNT THE CASHEW NUT POISONOUS UNTIL IT IS PROCESSED?

Read the article!

I would like to know could you grow a cashew tree in a pot

Beverly
July 19, 2019 At 12:56 pm
The article said 2 to 3 years.
Reply

I am planting it now with my group (help our Home organization) in Sierra Leone so how long will it take to providing fruit,

The article said 2 to 3 years.

I love farming presently I,m planting cashew nut

Is there only 1 nut on each cashew apple???

Am planning on having a bee garden and I want to add cashew trees into the garden. But I need to know how many times cashew produces it fruit in a year?

Is it a temperate,Tropical or sub tropical climate fruit, please know me. and which country is the rich producer of this, if possible please know me about its internationally export and import.

I found this article very informative and useful. I have been growing Cashew in Sri Lanka for a very long time but I learnt something new reading this. I’m planning to grow Cashew more systematically now on my land in Koralegama in the Kurunegala District in the Dry Zone where Cashew grows well. Last year I planted some bud grafted plants and surprised to find the plants flowering now.

The article is very informative

lulu
July 9, 2021 At 9:18 am
Google can provide a good answer to that.
Reply

Where can I get the seeds to grow into trees?

Google can provide a good answer to that.

Where can I buy small cashew trees and star apple? I’m from Southern California. Also can the trees be planted in a pot.

Thanks for this beautiful information . How long should the seedling remain on nursery ?

I agree with you

How long does it take to invest from your cashew tree

Why no mention of mango varieties grown in SA.

Cashew net fruit raw material varrite and rate

It has been 4 years now. Would love to hear an update on your trees.

Wondering where do cashews come from? To find out, click here! #

Cashew Nuts Tree Growing Information#

Here’s everything you need to know about whether cashews are poisonous. #

Can You Grow Cashew Trees in Pots?#

Here’s a list of the most exotic fruits from around the world#

Requirements for Growing Cashew Nuts Tree#

Position#

Soil#

Water#

Fertilizer#

Cashew Tree Care#

Pruning#

Mulching#

Pests and Diseases#

Harvesting and Cashew Nut Processing#

Check out our article on growing mango tree here#

Cashew Nuts Growing Tips#

Benefits of Cashew Nuts#

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