What Time of Year Should I Plant Cashews?

Planting Time

• The University of Florida Extension recommends planting cashew trees during the warmest months of the year from May to August. It is best to plant in warm, wet weather as this helps rapid establishment and increases tolerance to cold and dry winter conditions. It is not recommended to plant during cooler weather, as this slows down root development. It is also important to keep the planting site well watered and moist until the tree is well established.

Tolerances

• The trees grow best at temperatures ranging between 63 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity of 65 to 80 percent. Though trees are tolerant of drought, regular irrigation at the time of fruit set improves the quality of fruit. Cashew trees are not very tolerant of cold temperatures and frost. Trees that are growing in overly wet regions with consistent and heavy rain at the time of fruit set and fruit growth are prone to fruit-related disorders.

Soil

• Cashews grow well in a variety of well-drained soils, including light sand and limestone. Optimal growth occurs in deep and well-drained sand with a preferred pH range between 4.5 to 6.5. In soils with high pH levels of 7.4 to 8.5, cashew trees are prone to manganese, zinc and iron deficiencies. Poorly drained soils do not support good growth, though the tree does tolerate short periods of flooding.

Site

• Select an area of full sun and warmer sections of the landscape for healthy growth and fruit set. Do not plant close to power lines, homes and other structures, as unpruned trees have a spreading growth with a mature height of up to 25 feet. Avoid planting in low-lying areas that retain water or are likely to get flooded after rains. In poorly drained sites, plant in raised beds that are 2 to 3 feet high with a diameter of 4 to 6 feet.