The most favorable condition for growing cashew trees is a good location with ample sunlight. If this is not available, then the cashew plant will need to be in a shaded area. The soil of the area should be well drained and not too acidic or alkaline. Another important thing is that, cashew growing containers must have sturdy, flat tops to facilitate good drainage and air circulation. In addition to the proper soil and planting location, the soil should also be given adequate amount of light.
Some of the best types of cashew-growing plants are the anacardium occidentale, cashew apple and the cinvotia. The anacardium occidentale is a hardy variety that can grow up to fifteen meters. This type of cashew apple has very small, round white seeds. They can be planted with ease in the same way as other apple varieties. These apples have small thick skin and are well known for their hardiness.
The cashew apple is commonly known as “Indian apple.” Its tree bears fruit in a single oval branch which has four to six white, slightly colored branches. The anacardium Occidentale grows much larger than the cinvotia. The anacardium is a shade-tolerant variety and prefers a cool climate with partial shade during summer. The cinvotia, which is native to China, Africa and some parts of the Americas, is a bit deeper in color with large, black-purple flowers.
There are several varieties of cashew trees. These include the following: the bushy cashew which bear nuts only; the cashew apple, which yield sweet, small nuts; the Cambodia, which are a smaller tree; the kukui nut which have dark brown color seeds and are the finest; the neem which are a tree grown in India; the okra which are a tree grown in South America; the show which is a tree native to Thailand; the okra pao which are a tree grown in Manchuria; the cambogia which are a bushy tree; and the garcinia which are a European variety. Today there are about twenty species of cashew trees which produce nuts and seeds. All these trees have smaller leaves and are ideal for growing indoors.
Before planting, ensure that the cashew apple tree is not infected with any contagious diseases and there are no pests or fungi that might destroy the crop. To get a healthy tree, it is important to prepare the soil properly. It is best to select a location that is free from overhanging trees and heavy shade so that optimal growth can take place. The cashew plant needs to be planted on peat moss prepared with lime and water. This will help to prevent the growth of mould.
The next step in the process of planting the cashew trees is to choose the right type of potting soil. A good quality potting soil should be dark and moist with good drainage. These conditions are needed for the growth of the tree perfectly. For an even flow of water, it is important to have a plastic pot. It should have good drainage so that water can be easily drained after a rain fall.
There are many things that have to be considered before the seedlings are being planted. Before the young trees are being planted, check out the soil moisture level. This has to be balanced between twenty-five percent and thirty percent moisture. This balance should be maintained throughout the growing period of the seedlings.
The next thing is to choose the appropriate direction for the growing season. Usually the most southern direction is used for growing the trees. Cashew trees are known to grow well in high temperatures. However, during the dry season, they do not do well under high temperatures.