Key Features & Benefits

• Tropical fruit and nut plant known for producing cashew nuts and cashew apples
• Dual-purpose plant: edible nut and juicy fruit (cashew apple)
• Rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Hardy and drought-tolerant once established
• Suitable for coastal and tropical regions
• Long-living tree with good commercial and home garden value

Plant Care Guide

Sunlight

• Requires full sunlight for proper growth and nut production
• Needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

Soil

• Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil
• Tolerates poor and slightly acidic soils
• Avoid heavy clay soil or waterlogged conditions

Temperature & Climate

• Thrives in tropical climates
• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 35°C
• Performs well in coastal and warm regions
• Sensitive to frost

Watering

• Water regularly during initial growth (2–3 times per week)
• Mature plants are drought-tolerant and need less frequent watering
• Avoid overwatering, as it can damage roots

Fertilizers

• Apply organic compost or farmyard manure every 2–3 months
• Use balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season
• Add phosphorus and potassium to improve flowering and nut yield
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it promotes leafy growth over fruiting

Re-potting Instructions

• Use a large container (minimum 18–24 inches deep)
• Ensure proper drainage holes
• Re-pot every 2–3 years or when plant outgrows container
• Best to transplant into ground for long-term growth
• Handle roots carefully during transplanting

Fruiting Season

• Starts fruiting in 3–5 years (grafted plants may fruit earlier)
• Flowering occurs in winter
• Fruiting season: late winter to summer
• Produces cashew apples followed by attached nuts

Usage Ideas

• Cashew nuts used in cooking, sweets, and snacks
• Cashew apple eaten fresh or used for juice and beverages
• Nuts used in curries, desserts, and bakery items
• Oil extracted from cashew shell used industrially
• Popular ingredient in premium food products

Care Tips

• Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot
• Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches
• Provide enough space (6–8 meters apart) if planting in ground
• Mulch around base to conserve moisture
• Protect from strong winds during early stages
• Monitor for pests like tea mosquito bug and treat with neem oil
• Avoid frequent root disturbance for better growth.