Nursery Cashew nut tree (Anacardium occidentale)

Cashew Nut tree (Anacardium occidentale)

The Cashew Nut tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen known for producing both the cashew seed and the cashew apple. This tree can grow up to 14 meters in height, though grafted varieties typically reach around 6 meters.

The fruit it bears is an oval or pear-shaped structure called a cashew apple, which is juicy, rich in Vitamin C, and slightly acidic. The true fruit, however, is a kidney-shaped drupe that forms at the end of the apple and contains the cashew seed, commonly referred to as a nut.

Cashew trees thrive in hot, tropical climates and are sensitive to frost, especially during their early stages. Flowering begins around October or November, with fruit-bearing starting after the third year. It generally takes about 2 to 4 months for the fruits to fully develop.

To ensure optimal growth, grafted cashew plants are usually planted during the monsoon season. During the first three years, it is important to prune the tree to promote uniform canopy growth and remove any early blossoms.

Organic manure or compost should be applied every two months, and weeding around the tree’s base is crucial until the canopy grows large enough to provide shade.

Careful attention to pruning, along with the use of Bordeaux mixture paste to protect cut surfaces, helps prevent fungal infections. Overall, with proper care and the right climate, the cashew tree will begin to yield fruit after its third year, providing both cashew apples and nuts for harvest.