The cashew-nut tree is a fast grower and an evergreen tropical tree. It grows to a height of 12 m. Blossoming takes place between November and January. Seedling trees flower in the third year after planting. The fruit ripens fully within 2 months.
The nut is attached to the lower portion of the cashew apple which is conically shaped. The cashew nut (seed) hangs at the bottom of the apple, and is ‘C’shaped.
Climatic requirements
Cashew trees are genuinely tropical and very frost sensitive. The trees grow in a wide spectrum of climatic regions. Although the cashew can withstand high temperatures, a monthly mean of 25 °C is regarded as optimal.
Yearly rainfall of 1 000 mm is sufficient for production but 1 500 to 2 000 mm can be regarded as optimal. The cashew tree has a well-developed root system and can tolerate drought conditions. Rain during the flowering season causes flower abortion due to anthracnose and mildew.
During harvesting, while nuts are on the ground, rain and overcast weather causes the nuts to rot or start germinating. Nuts germinate within 4 days when lying on wet soil.
Soil requirements
The cashew is a strong plant that is renowned for growing in soils, especially sandy soils that are generally unsuitable for other fruit trees. For the best production deep, well-drained sandy or sandy loam soil is recommended. Cashew trees will not grow in poorly drained soils.
Extracted from AgriGold SwarnaSedyam
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