How to Grow Macadamia | Growing Macadamia Nuts

Growing macadamia nuts tree outside is possible only in the frost-free regions. There’re some basic requirements, which you can learn in this “how to grow macadamia nuts tree” article.

Macadamia tree is native to Australia and grows up to anywhere between 2-12 m ( 7 to 40 feet tall) and mainly cultivated for its fruits. Keep reading this article to know how to grow macadamia nuts tree.

USDA Zones: 9 – 11

Propagation Method: Seeds, vegetative propagation

Difficulty: Moderate

Soil Type: Acidic to slightly acidic

Macadamia Tree Information

Only two species of macadamia produce edible nuts: Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla. Both are natives of eastern Australia but also thrive in Hawaii, and Southern California.

Many other subtropical and tropical regions outside the USA where winters are above the freezing level and the rainfall is consistent. Macadamia trees are bushy, evergreen, and can be grown outside or in large containers. If cultivated properly, macadamia nuts trees start to produce fruits in 4 to 6 years after planting.

Propagation

Although propagation from seeds is easy, they are commercially not propagated from seeds because it takes up to 12 years to start producing nuts. They are usually propagated from cutting, grafting, and budding.

Planting

Buy a grafted macadamia tree from your nearby nursery. Plant it in the same depth in which it was grown. Firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air spaces and water deeply after planting to help lessen the shock of transplanting.

Position

Select a location in your yard that gets full sun but gets sheltered from the wind. South or West side of a garden that is less windy is suitable.

Requirements for Growing Macadamia Nuts

Soil

Macadamia nuts are slow-growing, and in clay-rich soil, they grow more slowly. Before planting, also make sure that your soil is well-draining and deep. If it is not, amend it using perlite or sand. Keep the pH level around 5 – 6.5

Sunlight

Macadamia is a tropical tree. It requires full sun to grow and produce healthy fruits.

Water

Keep the soil of the macadamia tree slightly moist. Water young macadamia tree regularly. Once the plant matures, water it once a week during the growing season and every other day during the period of drought and hot summer.

Macadamia Tree Care

Mulching

Do mulching to preserve moisture as growing macadamia nuts tree requires slightly moist soil. Mulching also prevents competitive weeds.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with 1% nitrogen fertilizer twice a year, at the beginning of the growing season and in midseason. Macadamia tree grows slowly, so you do not need a lot of nitrogen. If your soil is rich, you do not need to fertilize often as excess fertilization can damage the tree. Also, the application of compost or aged manure helps it to grow.

Pruning

Prune in early spring with pruning shears, as you do with an apple tree, to promote a single strong trunk and 6 to 8 horizontally growing scaffold branches spaced evenly along with the height of the tree. Clip off the vertically growing shoots because they will not produce nuts and will sap the vigor of the tree. Also, prune off dead and damaged wood.

Pests and Diseases

A healthy macadamia tree is usually pest-free, but thrips, mites, and scales might attack it. Mostly they are deterred by the tree itself. The use of organic pesticides is recommended in case of a large infestation.

Harvesting

Collect macadamia nuts when their skin begins to crack. Shell them within 24 hours of harvest to prevent mildew. Keep in mind that the hulls will be more difficult to remove once they are dry.

Also Read: How to Grow Quinoa