Can cashew trees survive frost or cold temperatures?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Cashew trees can only tolerate a slight exposure to temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C). I have helped some saplings that were frostbitten in Texas by wrapping their trunks with heated cables and frost cloth. Container gardening is key, as we can always put plant pots back inside when there are forecasts that drop to less than 45°F (7°C). Timing, or speed, matters with the trees.
Critical Temperatures
- Lethal threshold: 24 hours below 41°F (5°C)
- Early warning: Wilting leaves at 46°F (8°C)
- Recovery: Trim blackened branches immediately
- Monitoring: Wireless thermometers alert via smartphone
Container Strategies
- Pot size: 24in (60cm) depth minimum
- Mobility: Wheeled planters for quick relocation
- Indoor setup: South-facing windows + grow lights
- Soil insulation: Bubble wrap pot exteriors
Subtropical farmers in Georgia can prolong their growing seasons by using portable greenhouses. I've implemented straw mulch 8in (20cm) deep around the base of the trunks, during periods of cold fronts, which creates heat entrapment. Short types like Anacardium humile survive for short periods at 40°F (4°C) but still need protection.
Clients here in Arizona successfully implement heated garden blankets and thermal mass containers near trees. If you fill containers with water, they will absorb excess heat during the day and slowly release it overnight. This simple hack resulted in an average increase of microclimate temperatures of 7°F (-14°C) during winter storm conditions; this increase was sufficient to avoid dieback.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cashews: Expert Tips for Home Cultivation
