It's possible to grow cashews by placing them in a pot on your rooftop or balcony. With the right soil, care, and methods, you can easily grow them.
Dry fruits are a common staple in almost every household. They offer numerous health benefits. We typically buy them from the market, but have you ever considered the possibility of growing a cashew tree at home? Yes, you can. However, it takes a long time to grow, so you'll need to be patient. Growing cashews in a pot requires the right plant, good soil, sunlight, and adequate space. Let's learn how you can grow a cashew plant at home.
What is needed to grow a cashew plant in a pot?
It's important to note that cashew plants can't be kept in pots for long. This tree grows large, and its roots need space. Therefore, if you want to plant a cashew plant at home, choose a large and sturdy pot or container from the start. You can also plant it directly in the garden, using soil. However, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Cashews prefer soil that doesn't retain water.
It would be better to plant a good plant rather than from seeds
If you want to plant cashews at home, obtain a quality grafted plant from a nursery. Grafted plants are preferred for cashew cultivation. This will reduce the initial hassle of preparing the plant.
Prepare the pot like this
To plant a cashew tree, first take a large pot. It should have drainage holes in the bottom. Now fill it with soil that allows water to drain easily. You can add well-rotted organic manure or compost to the soil.
After this, create enough space in the center of the pot to comfortably accommodate the plant's roots. Now, carefully remove the plant from the nursery along with the old soil and place it in the pot. If the plant is grafted, do not press the graft attachment into the soil. The graft joint should remain above the soil.
How much water should be given?
Cashew plants need water, but this doesn't mean the soil in the pot needs to be kept constantly wet. Before watering, check the topsoil. If the soil is already moist, watering isn't necessary, as cashew roots don't tolerate waterlogged soil well.
Take special care of sunlight
It's worth noting that the cashew plant loves sunlight. Therefore, place it in a location in your home that receives adequate sunlight. Otherwise, it will be unable to grow. If you're placing it on your balcony, make sure it receives adequate direct sunlight.
Take care of the plant in winter
Cashews thrive in warm climates. Extremely cold and cold temperatures are not good for them. According to ICAR, cashews thrive in warm, cool climates.
Will cashews grow in pots?
Many people think that if they plant a cashew tree today, they'll start getting cashews in a month or two, but that's not true. The cashew tree is a growing plant, and fruiting requires time, the right weather, and good care. According to ICAR, grafted cashew plants need to grow well in their initial years. It may take two to three years for them to bear fruit.
Pruning of the plant is also necessary
As the cashew plant grows, its branches will spread. To maintain the plant in the pot, prune it periodically as needed.
Keep these things in mind while planting a cashew tree:-
- Choose a large pot for cashew nuts.
- There must be good holes in the pot for water to drain out.
- Avoid heavy and water-retentive soil.
- Try to buy only a good grafted plant from the nursery.
- Keep the plant in a place where it gets good sunlight.
- Do not keep the soil always filled with water.
