🌳 Kaju (Cashew) Plant – Growing & Care Guide
Kaju, commonly known as Cashew, is a highly profitable tropical fruit and nut plant. It is widely grown in coastal and warm regions of India for its valuable cashew nuts and cashew apples.
Botanical name: Anacardium occidentale
🌱 Growing Instructions
Climate: Thrives in tropical climates with warm and humid conditions.
Temperature: Ideal range 20°C–35°C.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or laterite soil. Tolerates slightly acidic and poor soils. Avoid waterlogging.
Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6–8 hours daily) for good flowering and nut development.
Planting Distance: 6–8 meters apart.
Watering: Moderate watering during early growth. Mature plants are drought tolerant.
Best Planting Time: June–September (monsoon).
Fruiting Time: Begins fruiting in 2–3 years (grafted plants fruit earlier).
🌿 Care Instructions
Fertilizer: Apply organic compost once or twice yearly. Add balanced NPK before flowering.
Pruning: Remove weak and overcrowded branches to improve airflow.
Mulching: Helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pest Control: Watch for tea mosquito bug and stem borer. Use recommended organic treatment if needed.
Weeding: Keep the base area clean for healthy growth.
🥜 Uses of Kaju (Cashew)
Cashew nuts used in sweets, snacks, and cooking
Cashew apple used for juice and local beverages
Rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals
High export and commercial value
Suitable for large-scale farming and plantations
