How much space do cashew trees need to grow?

It is important to space cashew trees carefully. Standard varieties need to be spaced 10-15ft (3-4.5m) apart to avoid competition from each others' root systems. I redesigned a Florida client's crowded cashew grove and was able to double their yields through careful consideration when spacing at 12ft apart. Although dwarf varieties, like Anacardium ‘Nanum', can be planted at 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m) apart, deep soil is still critical to support the extended taproot.

Urban farmers generally don't appreciate taproots that much. I tried to start a project in Phoenix, but it was unsuccessful until I moved from an 18in (45cm) pot to a 24in (60cm) depth pot. The roots were coiled and choking each other. Now, I use gravel bases with 60% sand soil mixes, and I suspect my stunted leaves mean plant growth will be stunted but overall growth takes time sometimes. You have to eat the leaf!

Pruning will affect spacing needs. Open-center pruning will allow more light to filter through a dense canopy, and reduce branch overlapping. On a Brazilian farm I worked with, airflow was increased by 40% with this approach. It is still important to not remove more than 25% of foliage each year, as productivity will be impacted and shock will kill productivity.

Dwarf varieties do not have an unrestricted growing space. Even dwarfs will push roots down 5ft (1.5m). I have seen balcony growers stack pots on top of each other, using dwarfs in the top container and herbs in the bottom container. You need to test the soil every year before you begin. You can adjust plant spacing as the trees mature. Your patience today is tomorrow's harvest.

Read the full article: How to Grow Cashews: Expert Tips for Home Cultivation