Description

Cashew Seedlings

There are three main varieties which are Brazilian cashew, Chinese cashew and Indian cashew. Brazilian cashew seedlings are mostly grown in Nigeria.

• Cashew is highly cross-pollinated and vegetative propagation is mainly recommended on a commercial scale to produce true to type planting materials.
• The nuts can be sowed 3 – 4 per hole or raised in the nursery and transplanted in the field.
• After the establishment, the plants are thinned to one healthy and vigorous plant per stand.
• Cashew can be propagated by seedlings, air layers and softwood grafts.

Planting tips

• The seed nuts usually germinate within 15-20 days after sowing. Seedbed may be mulched with paddy straw till germination takes place and partial shade may be provided during summer months.
• A fertilizer dose of 750 g N, 325 g P2O5, and 750 g K2O per plant is recommended for cashew. Apply 1/5th dose after the completion of the first year, 2/5th dose during the second year.
• Pineapple is the most profitable inter-crop in cashew plantation in the early stages of growth.
• A spacing of 7.5 m x 7.5 m has been recommended for poor soils, and for rich, deep, and coastal sandy soils a wider spacing of 10 m x 10 m is prescribed.
• The fruits will be ready for harvest in about two months after the fertilization of the flowers.