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:Â How to Grow Quinoa
Marcademia nut is the most expensive nut in the market today and if you had it once you know why
In which type of land is better to plant macadamia.as for example in mauritius there is two type of region sunny and cold.
i have planted this miraculous tree in my country uganda.it does well in all types of soil.
Will try it here in Kenya on the slopes of Mt. Elgon
Charles ,where can i get the seedlings here in Uganda? I need help.
Hey
I just got a plant from some nursery field along Moroto-Napak highway at 5k. Planting it soon. There are many more other nuts he has.
Ca you get me access to seeds?
is it possible to get macadamia nuts some where raw for raising it from seelings? any answers would be great pls. my email id is keetyhunt@gmail.com.
thank you for this information about macadamia farming am an upcoming young farmer already preparing the ground to plant at least about 500 trees of macadamia my question is which is the best quality of macadamia to plant at Mua hills in Machakos county in kenya
Fertile soil and plenty of rain.
Kenya Orchards managed to grow fruits,kwa hivyo you should be able…mulch lazima because Mua mvua ni kiasi..
Thanks for the relevant info.
About a year ago I found a macadamia tree growing in my front yard. Of course I didn’t know what it was but the nuts on the ground tipped me off when I opened one. This is not unusual for me living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I have only planted about 10% of the trees in the back and front yard of my home. Everything else.has been a gift from God and the local birds, I guess. If it’s producing nuts I guess it has been here awhile and I never noticed it. It was in between a Royal Palm I had growing near the front door that I moved to the side and another palm of some kind that was smack dab next to the Mac. Tree. I had that one taken out. When we have storms and hurricanes a lot,of shrubbery moves around. I would like it to grow well so that’s why I was on this page for all the good information. Thank you.
I am interest to plant this trees of macadamia but problem is seeds a live Tanzania kilimanjaro
interested to plant macadamia nuts but where can i get the seedlings in Zimbabwe
i based in Zambia were can i get seed, am very much interested in growing macadamia
Most of these questions r daft. The internets awash with answers people. Don’t b lazy, go find out!
I live in florida
I work at an Orchird that has ALot of Macadamia seeds from producing healthy trees!
Living in Florida, as well. I’d love to find out where to get some healthy producing seeds, Kim Kersey :)
growing them here in Zambia and their are amazing
trees
Dear sir ,
I have plan to do macadamia plantation in Myanmar (south east Asia). Please give me more information about plantation and market size. If there is any links to read or study, please let me known.
Thanks
Zaw ko ko
I’m interested in macadamia ,I stay in Kenya Migori county where can I get seedlings
How deep do the roots of a Macadamia tree grow, is this tree safe for plumbing when planted close to a house. Does it have to be watered often.
What are the pros and cons for planting this type of tree in a front yard, very concerned about the roots and damage to plumbing pipes.
Thank you very much for your answers, what to purchase a tree right away.
I am based on the north coast in KZN South Africa,I want to plant 5ha of Macs.What VARIETIES are best suited
Urgent response PLEASE