How to Grow a Coconut Into a Palm Tree

Coconuts on a palm tree.

Coconuts are popular fruits that grow on coconut palms in tropical climates. In the wild, coconuts fall from the tree, land on their side and typically sprout into new trees. Coconut palms can be grown in a backyard or started indoors by replicating this natural occurrence. Once planted, coconut palms are extremely self-sufficient and require little care for the first year as they get all of their required nutrients and water from within the coconut.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Shovel

1. Hold the coconut up to your ear and shake it. Splashing sounds mean the coconut is good to use.

2. Fill a bucket with water. Put the coconut in the bucket and let it soak for three days to prepare it for germination.

3. Choose a spot to plant the coconut that has well-drained soil with partial shade. Pull out any weeds in the planting area.

4. Dig a small hole in the soil that is deep and wide enough to bury one-third of the coconut when laid on its side.

5. Lay the coconut sideways in the hole. Pack soil around it to ensure it stays in place.

6. Water the soil twice per week to ensure that it stays moist. Keep this up until the coconut germinates, usually between three and six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Coconuts should only be planted in warm climates where the average temperature stays above 70 degrees F.

• To start the coconut indoors, do it in a pot that is at least 10 inches deep. The coconut should be planted with the pointed side facing down with the top one-third of the coconut sticking out of the soil. Keep the soil moist at all times.

References

• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Planting Coconuts