How to Grow Macadamia Nuts

These delicacies are one of the most expensive nuts and have even been shown to reduce cholesterol. The macadamia trees are mainly produced in Hawaii and Australia, but people with patience can grow their own macadamia tree. But it's not easy because the trees like sunny, subtropical climates and a lot of rain. Not to mention it can be nearly impossible to crack the nut from its shell. But if you follow these steps closely, you can grow your own macadamia tree and in time, enjoy its delectable nuts.

Things You'll Need

• Macadamia tree Plot of land Subtropic temperature Water

Instructions

1. 

   Find room for your macadamia tree. The trees can grow for more than 100 years and can reach 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

2. Plant a macadamia tree. There are two types of trees that grow edible macadamia nuts. One is known as the M. Integrifolia and the other is M. Tetraphylla.

3. Keep the tree happy. The tree loves sunlight and subtropical climates. Make sure your tree gets at least 50 inches of rainfall or watering each year. You will want to protect the tree from strong winds because its roots are shallow. You will also want to be sure the soil has good drainage. While the tree dislikes frost, once it has reached maturity it can survive a light frost.

4. Wait six years. It takes six to seven years before the tree will start to produce macadamia nuts. Once the tree has matured, it could produce up to 150 pounds of nuts in their shells.

5. 

   Look for the fruit. When the tree is ready to produce macadamia nuts, keep an eye out for its fruit. You will note a fleshy husk over a hard shell that is a half inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Inside this shell is the macadamia nut.

6. 

   Crack the shell. You won't be able to get to the nut if you use a typical nutcracker. You will have to use a macadamia nut cracker, a hammer, or a rock.

Tips & Warnings

• Macadamia nuts crack open easier if they are part of the "Arkin Papershell" variety because this breed has been specially cultivated to have a small crack in each shell.

• Companies that produce macadamia nuts commercial have machines to remove the husk and crack the shells.