Back to Tropical
🥜

Cashewnut

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

Category

tropical

Price

KES 800

Time to Fruit

30-40 years

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Cashewnut seedling successfully

Watering

Cashew trees grow best with annual rainfall between 700-1,200 mm. They tolerate drought, but they don't do well in waterlogged areas. Supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry spells boosts flowering and fruit set. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency as trees mature.

Sunlight

Full sun (6+ hours) required for optimal growth and nut production. Cashew trees need adequate sunlight for proper development and yield.

Soil Requirements

The best soils are sandy loams, slightly acidic (pH 5-6.5). Altitudes of sea level up to 1,200m are suitable, making coastal Kenya the best zone, though parts of Eastern Kenya can also support the crop. Land Preparation: Clear the land and dig planting holes 60cm wide and 60cm deep. Mix topsoil with 20kg of well-decomposed manure. Plant at the onset of rains for best establishment.

Temperature

Cashew trees grow best in warm, coastal climates. Ideal temperatures range from 25-35°C. For counties along the Coast where rainfall is low and soils are sandy, cashews offer the perfect match: a hardy, drought-tolerant crop that thrives where others fail.

Fertilizer

Apply organic manure once a year. For mature trees, top-dress with a little NPK (10:10:10) before flowering. Manure and fertilizer application should be done during the growing season to support healthy growth and nut production.

Spacing

Spacing should be about 10m by 10m, since cashew trees spread widely. This spacing allows for proper growth, airflow, and management while accommodating the tree's spreading canopy.

Time to Fruit

Cashew trees start flowering in the third year for grafted varieties, though full production comes in years 5-7. Each tree can produce 7-15 kg of nuts per season, depending on care. Cashew is propagated from grafted seedlings, which mature faster and give higher yields than wild varieties. In Kenya, grafted seedlings go for around KSh 150-300 each, depending on the nursery. Cashew trees are long-term investments. Once established, they can produce for 30-40 years, offering steady income with relatively low maintenance.

Pest & Disease Management

Harvesting:

  • Harvesting involves collecting fallen apples and separating the nut. The nuts are dried before shelling. The apples
  • often wasted
  • can be sold fresh in local markets or processed into juice and wine. For farmers in Kenya's Coast
  • planting cashew nuts today is like planting a bank account that pays dividends for decades.

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.

Powdery Mildew

Improve air circulation through pruning. Apply sulfur-based or copper fungicides. Avoid overhead watering and maintain proper spacing. Remove affected leaves promptly.

Slow Growth

Ensure adequate sunlight (6 hours) as specified. Apply appropriate fertilizer and maintain proper watering schedule. Check for root-bound conditions.

Poor Fruit Set

Ensure plant has reached maturity (Cashew trees start flowering in the third year for grafted varieties, though full production comes in years 5-7. Each tree can produce 7-15 kg of nuts per season, depending on care. Cashew is propagated from grafted seedlings, which mature faster and give higher yields than wild varieties. In Kenya, grafted seedlings go for around KSh 150-300 each, depending on the nursery. Cashew trees are long-term investments. Once established, they can produce for 30-40 years, offering steady income with relatively low maintenance.). Apply potassium-rich fertilizer during flowering. Maintain proper temperature and pollination conditions. Ensure adequate water during flowering.

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 Cashewnut seedling today and begin your agricultural success story