Cashew Trees for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 22, 2021

Planting instructions

Choose a sheltered location that receives a minimum of eight hours of sunlight a day. Trees that don’t get enough sun will have a low production rate. Frost-free south or west-facing spots are preferable. The cashew tree prefers well-draining, sandy soil where its roots can spread. They don’t like wet feet or cramped roots. Soil pH isn’t critical, but the trees do best when it is in the 5 to 6.5 range. Space your trees about 30 feet apart as they can reach up to 40 feet tall. 

Prepare your spot by breaking up the soil and removing large clumps, stones, and any grass or weeds. You can also use this time to amend and enrich your soil by adding some organic material or compost. 

Dig a hole slightly deeper than the tree’s root ball and twice its diameter. Try not to disturb the tree’s root system when placing it in the hole, with the top level with the soil. Begin backfilling while tamping down the soil to remove air pockets. When halfway full, fill the hole with water and allow it to drain. Continue backfilling until the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil. Young cashew trees require support. They need a stake or something similar to keep them growing straight and from toppling over. Once staked, water again deeply. A two to three inch layer of mulch around the tree’s base will provide extra protection and moisture retention.

Watering and nutrients

Cashew trees are drought-tolerant, but to get a good crop, water them regularly. Young trees and ones that are fruiting need more water, especially during a dry spell. Water young trees at least weekly to help them become established. Don’t allow the soil to become soggy from overwatering, as root rot could occur. 

Use a high-quality fertilizer that contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and zinc. Zinc deficiency is a common problem for cashew trees.  Adding homemade compost can help replenish it. Feed your tree while it is flowering and forming fruit in the spring and summer. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding dose and schedule. 

Pollination

Cashew trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t need a second tree to fruit. However, a second tree in the area will help both trees produce a larger harvest.  Cashews are aided with the pollination process by bats and several types of insects. 

Pruning

Cashew trees require more of a maintenance type pruning than a production one. You must remove any sprouts or suckers that shoot up from the base of your sapling the first year. They rob the tree of vital nutrients needed for that initial growth. Remove broken, dead, or diseased branches any time of the year. This also goes for branches that are crossed or rubbing on each other. Removing the heavier growth allows for more airflow and gives the fruit more room. If pruning for shape or aesthetics, don’t prune until late summer or early fall. 

Pests, diseases, and animals

If kept healthy, cashew trees will remain mostly problem-free. Pests like blossom webbers, borers, leaf miners, and thrips may occasionally attack them. Control most of these insects with insecticides.

Anthracnose, black mold, and leaf spot are all fungal diseases that can appear on your cashew tree. Treating the tree with a suitable fungicide will help control the outbreaks.  

Cashew blossoms and cashew apples attract bats and wild birds. The only way to keep them from sharing in your harvest is to net the tree.

Harvesting

Aside from birds tasting the fruit on your tree, the changing color will alert you to harvest time. The apples start turning pink to red. The cashew nut’s shell will turn a dark, dull gray color. Fruit falling to the ground is another indicator of ripeness. 

Separate the nut from the apple. You can enjoy the cashew apple fresh, frozen, or in various recipes. The nuts need to be removed from their shell, but they easily keep for about two years. This is convenient when you’re harvesting several batches over time. Continue reading below to learn how to process your cashew nuts safely.

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