A Detailed Guide to the Suitable Growing Environment and Latest Cultivation Conditions for Cashews

The cashew is a special fruit whose shape resembles a human kidney, which is why it is named the cashew. Cashews are highly nutritious and are a famous dried fruit; the fruit can also be used medicinally. They are mainly cultivated in Yunnan, the Guangdong-Guangxi region, Fujian, Taiwan, China and other places in our country. From these main growing areas we can roughly see that cashews are suited to growing in relatively hot climates. What exactly the growing environment is like and what essential factors there are, let us take a look together now.

I. Climate

They mainly grow in the tropics, but they do not like overly humid environments; they prefer environments with plenty of sunlight, warmth and no frost damage. Their cold resistance is poor, and they easily die when frozen. Regions like Hainan are very suitable for cashew growth; this kind of climate environment suits cashew growth.

II. Soil

They grow poorly in clay and calcareous soils, and in soils with little organic matter, such as red soil, growth and development are not very good. They grow well in loose, airy, fertile, deep soil; it must be loose, to prevent waterlogging, and with good aeration the root system also grows well. They are relatively drought-tolerant, so do not plant them in low-lying land; they tolerate poor soil, but fertile soil should still be provided.

III. Temperature

Growth requires a monthly average temperature of 23 to 30 degrees; below 23 degrees growth is relatively slow, below 20 degrees growth is affected, below 17 degrees they are prone to freezing, and below 15 degrees it is very dangerous. Because cashews like warmth, they must grow in a warm environment; below 23 degrees they cannot flower or fruit, and if low temperatures suddenly occur during the flowering and fruiting period, it will cause flower drop, poor fertilization, fruit drop or the formation of deformed fruit.

IV. Water

The root system is strong and they are relatively drought-tolerant, but try to keep them moist; do not let them become too dry, and growth will be somewhat better. Do not water during the flowering period; before flowering they can be watered appropriately. During the fruiting period, the peak growth period is generally in the rainy season, so drain promptly; the flowering period must not encounter rain, and if the groundwater level is too high it is not suitable for planting. Because the root system is strong, watering is mainly done during the fruiting period, and do not water too much, roughly once a month.

V. Light

They like light and must have sufficient sunlight to grow; they do not tolerate shade and cannot grow in hidden, shaded environments. They specifically require more than 1800 hours of light received per year, but this does not mean that below this amount of light there will be severe effects; it is just that growth will be poor. For example, during the flowering period there must be enough light for flower bud differentiation, and fruit swelling also requires enough light.

The cashew growing environment is an environment under a tropical climate; it must be warm and have sufficient light. Soil requirements are not strict, and its adaptability is strong. The root system is very strong and it needs water, but it cannot be flooded and cannot be frozen. So these issues must be paid attention to in planting and production.