Growing Guide: Cashew
Plant Type:
Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter
Mature Size:
Up to 10-30 ft. tall
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, moist well draining-soil
Be careful not to over-water
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Cashew Trees are grown from seed and are capable of producing fruit within 3 years.
Growing Guide for the Red Cashew Tree
Climate and Location
- Ideal Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures above 50°F. Protect from frost and cold snaps in cooler zones by planting in a container and moving indoors during winter.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Planting Tips
- In-Ground Planting: Choose a sunny, sheltered location with good airflow. Space trees 20-25 feet apart.
- Container Growing: Use a large, well-draining pot with quality potting soil mixed with sand or perlite.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Regular deep watering during establishment (first year). Reduce frequency once the tree is mature, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during the growing season and supplement with micronutrients like zinc and magnesium for healthy growth.
- Pruning: Trim annually to remove dead wood and shape the canopy for air circulation and light penetration.
- Pollination: Flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from cross-pollination by bees and other pollinators.
Harvesting
- Nuts: Cashews ripen on the tree. Harvest when the cashew apple is fully colored and the attached nut shell is hard.
- Apples: Pick ripe cashew apples to enjoy fresh, juiced, or fermented into tropical beverages.
Propagation and Time to Harvest
- Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted saplings for faster fruiting. Our Red Cashew Trees are grafted for reliable performance.
- Time to Fruit: Trees start producing nuts and apples in 2-3 years when grown under optimal conditions.
Add a tropical centerpiece to your food forest with the Red Cashew Tree and experience the joy of growing your own nuts and fruit. Whether you're a seasoned grower or starting your edible garden, this versatile tree is sure to become a favorite.
Shop Now to bring the Red Cashew Tree to your backyard and transform your landscape into a thriving oasis!