Cashew — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Anacardium occidentale |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 4–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–32.2 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–2190 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 762–1219.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Plant in well-drained, sandy, acidic to neutral, infertile to average soil in full sun in frost-free zones 10–12; cashew is native to northeastern Brazil and now cultivated throughout the tropics as one of the world's most important nut crops. The 'nut' is actually a large seed attached to the outside of a swollen, fleshy, pear-shaped 'cashew apple' (pseudofruit) which is edible fresh, juiced, or fermented into cashew wine. The seed shell contains urushiol — the same irritating compound in poison ivy — and must never be handled or roasted without protection. Commercial cashews are processed to remove this compound before the familiar pale nut is edible. The cashew apple, rarely seen in North America, is highly perishable and consumed fresh throughout tropical regions as a vitamin-C-rich refreshing fruit. In zone 9, treat as a container specimen moved indoors in winter.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0