How to Grow a Macadamia Nut Tree in Florida
The macadamia nut tree is native to the rain forests of Australia, but most people connect it to Hawaii. The tree produces a delicious, rich and healthy nut widely considered a "dessert nut" by gourmet chefs and the general population. The tree is slow to start producing nuts and for this reason they are now grown not only in Australia and Hawaii, but also in Africa, California and Florida in order to keep up with demand. They prefer a warm climate, which makes Florida an ideal location for producing them. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Young macadamia tree
- PH tester
- Shovel
- Mulch
- 6-6-6 tree food spikes
- Pruning shears
- Plastic sheet
Instructions
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Choose a sunny location with rich soil with good drainage for planting. Use a pH tester to be sure the acidity of the soil is around 5 to 6.
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Use a shovel to plant young trees in the spring at a depth of roughly 3 feet. Plant a tree every 12 feet in rows that are 24 feet apart.
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Place mulch around the base of the tree for added nutrients and to lock in moisture. After the trees start producing, the husks of the nuts can be used as mulch.
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Use 6-6-6 tree food spikes for fertilizer. Avoid fertilizer that contains phosphorous.
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Prune trees regularly with shears after planting to ensure there is enough light and room for picking nuts.
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Water trees regularly. If a drought occurs, an irrigation system may be necessary in order to ensure trees receive enough moisture.
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Winterize your macadamia tree during the cooler months by covering it with a plastic sheet. Florida winters can occasionally produce frost, so this step may be necessary to prevent the tree from dying.
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Tips & Warnings
Rats like macadamia nut trees. To avoid a rodent problem, keep weeds away from the base of the tree.
References
- Photo Credit nuts on the nut-tree leaves image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
