The Cashew Tree: Gorgeous growth with amazing benefits. Because the Cashew Tree is self-fertile, you only need one tree to get fruit (though more trees will produce a bigger bounty). Rich florals pollinated by insects burst forth for a botanical-garden view. This tree is low-maintenance and hassle-free but does require proper care to thrive.

Note: This product grows best in well-draining soil. When you receive your plant, you may notice small, white beads or rocks in the soil - this medium is added to increase drainage and keep your plant happy and healthy! 

Planting

Your Cashew Tree needs at least six hours of direct sunlight – it will not fruit if it’s grown in the shade, so be sure you plant your tree in an area with proper sunlight. Multiple Cashew Trees will need to be spaced adequately as well to ensure that the mature trees have enough growing room. Once you’ve chosen a sun-soaked locale, follow the steps below:

• Plant your Cashew Tree in a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.

• Ensure the roots are free and firmly placed into the soil. Backfill your hole after placing the root ball properly.

• Gently tamp down the soil as you backfill.

Your Cashew Tree prefers sandy soil with a pH level around 5-6.5. Soil should be well-drained, and the tree should be planted in a way that allows water to flow smoothly.

Watering

Your Cashew Tree will be moderately drought tolerant once it’s established, but until then, your tree should be watered regularly. During the summer months, water your tree once or twice weekly and ensure your watering is thorough and deep, reaching the root ball.

Reduce or cease watering during winter months. Overwatering can harm the tree, so water your Cashew Tree only if its soil is dry. Let the soil dry between weekly watering sessions.

Fertilizer

Your Cashew Tree will need regular fertilizer application to thrive and produce a rich bounty of fruit. Use slow-release fertilizer 8-3-9 according to the product instructions. Place your fertilizer around the base of your Cashew Tree every two months during growing season. It’s also beneficial to apply compost or farm manure once a year around the surface of the soil on your mature tree.

Pruning

Prune your Cashew Tree regularly, making sure to remove weak, dead or entangled branches. Ensure you cut back overcrowded branches to promote the most vigorous and healthy growth possible.

Pests and Diseases

If you maintain your Cashew Tree and keep it in good health, it will remain generally pest-free. Major pests to monitor are the tea mosquito, stem and root borer, leaf miner and blossom webber.

Harvesting

Harvest the cashews from your Cashew Tree when the cashew apples (the red covering) turn pink or red and the cashew nutshells are gray. After harvesting, you should separate the cashew apple from the nut. Cashew apples can be eaten raw or made into a juice. The unshelled cashew nut can be stored for up to two years.