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Grafted Macadamia Muranga

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Category

tropical

Price

KES 350

Time to Fruit

15 years

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Grafted Macadamia Muranga seedling successfully

Watering

Though drought-tolerant, macadamia trees thrive best with 1,200-1,500mm of rain annually. Young trees need more water. During dry spells, extra watering is crucial, especially for growth. Water is vital for macadamia trees, especially young ones. The first 3-4 years are crucial for root development. Each young tree needs 20 litres of water every two weeks. This supports healthy growth. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but still need regular watering during dry spells. To optimize irrigation: Install a reliable irrigation system suitable for your farm size, monitor soil moisture levels regularly, adjust watering schedules based on seasonal rainfall patterns, consider drip irrigation for water efficiency and cost savings.

Sunlight

Full sun (6+ hours) required for optimal growth and nut production.

Soil Requirements

Your macadamia trees will need well-draining soils that allow roots to develop properly. The ideal soil characteristics include: Deep soil profile (minimum 100cm depth), pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, good drainage capacity, low salt concentration, sandy loam to clay loam texture. Planting Hole Preparation: Dig holes of 60 x 60 x 60 cm (or 2ft by 2ft by 2ft). Keep topsoil and subsoil separate. Start digging when it rains. Mix topsoil with 20kg manure and 300g fertilizer. For acidic soils, add 120g lime and 60g superphosphate.

Temperature

Macadamia trees prefer heights of 1,500 to 1,850 meters, with moderate, frost-free climates. Ideal temperatures are 18-21°C. However, they can adapt to 16-25°C. Importantly, a daily temperature swing of at least 7°C is needed during flowering. This promotes better flowers and nuts. Best Growing Regions in Kenya: The Central, Eastern, and Rift Valley regions of Kenya offer ideal conditions for macadamia farming.

Fertilizer

A good fertilization plan boosts tree health and nut yield. Organic Fertilization: Uses compost and manure, improves soil over time, enhances long-term health, supports sustainable practices. Inorganic Fertilization: Offers immediate nutrients, allows precise control, corrects growth quickly, needs careful timing. Apply balanced NPK fertilizer as needed.

Spacing

Spacing: 7m by 7m between trees. This allows for proper growth and management.

Time to Fruit

First harvest (year 3) yields 3-5 kg per tree. This increases to 40-75 kg after 15 years. Macadamia nuts drop from trees when ripe, signalling harvest time. Ripe nuts have about 30% moisture in the husk and 25% in the kernel. Key practices include: Collect fallen nuts within 2-3 days to maintain quality. Avoid picking nuts from trees; it's hard to tell ripe from unripe. Keep areas under trees clear for easy collection.

Pest & Disease Management

Wind Protection:

  • An often overlooked but crucial aspect is wind protection. Macadamia trees have brittle branches that are especially vulnerable when bearing nuts. Establish windbreaks one year before planting macadamia seedlings. Plant windbreak trees perpendicular to prevailing winds. Use suitable windbreak species like cypress
  • pine
  • wattle
  • or grevillea. Consider temporary windbreaks using banana plants while permanent windbreaks establish.

Varieties:

  • Kiambu-3 (high-yielding, resistant to diseases, suitable for high altitudes)
  • Kirinyaga-15 (high-yielding, good for high altitudes, requires good water management)
  • Embu-1 (high-yielding, good for mid-altitudes, known for its nut quality)
  • Muranga-20 (adaptable to lower altitudes, good for marginal areas)

Intercropping:

  • Intercrop with legumes or short-term crops. Avoid perennials and grasses. Adjust as trees grow.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Borer Problem

Remove and destroy affected branches immediately. Apply appropriate insecticides to trunk and branches. Maintain tree health to prevent infestation. Use pheromone traps for monitoring.

Root Rot

Improve soil drainage immediately. Avoid overwatering. Apply fungicides and ensure proper spacing for air circulation. Remove affected plants to prevent spread.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Ready to start growing?

Order this premium Grafted Macadamia Muranga seedling today and begin your agricultural success story