Pepe's Fruit Trees • Davie, Florida
Cashew Trees for Sale in South Florida
Grow your own tropical cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, and enjoy the unusual colorful cashew apple while learning how to grow the tree safely and successfully in Florida.
I have more than 30 years of experience growing and selling tropical fruit trees in South Florida. I offer cashew seedlings when available and provide practical guidance on sunlight, drainage, cold protection, flowering, fruiting and safe handling.
Check Cashew Tree AvailabilityCan You Grow a Cashew Tree in South Florida?
Yes. Cashew trees can grow and fruit in warm South Florida locations when provided with full sun, excellent drainage, wind protection and winter protection. Young trees should be kept compact enough to cover during unusual cold weather.
Why Buy a Cashew Tree from Pepe's Fruit Trees?
- Cashew seedlings selected for warm Florida growing conditions
- Commonly offered around 8–12 inches tall, measured from the soil line
- More than 30 years of South Florida fruit-tree experience
- Practical planting, acclimation and cold-protection advice
- Local pickup in Davie, Florida
- Online availability for selected shipping options
Pepe's Firsthand Cashew-Growing Advice
Start young cashew seedlings in partial shade, then move them into stronger light gradually. Sudden exposure to intense Florida sun can burn tender leaves.
Cashew trees strongly dislike wet feet. Choose a fast-draining location, avoid heavy wet clay and protect young trees from temperatures below 50°F. Temperatures near or below 40°F can cause severe injury.
Under favorable conditions, a healthy seedling may begin fruiting at around three years of age. Cashew is self-fertile and insect-pollinated, although a second tree may improve the crop.
What Is a Cashew Tree?
The cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, is a tropical evergreen grown for its colorful cashew apple and the attached cashew seed. The tree develops broad leaves, small flowers and spreading branches.
Cashew is self-fertile and its flowers are pollinated mainly by insects. One tree can produce fruit, although growing two trees may increase pollination activity and improve the harvest.
In suitable tropical conditions, cashew can become a medium to large spreading tree. Pruning a young tree can keep it manageable and easier to protect during South Florida cold fronts.
Cashew Apple, Cashew Fruit and Cashew Nut
| Part | What it is | Use | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashew apple | The swollen, juicy yellow, orange or red structure above the nut | Eaten ripe or used in juice, preserves and sauces | Wash and use only clean, fully ripe fruit |
| True fruit | The kidney-shaped structure attached beneath the apple | Contains the cashew seed | Do not eat or casually process raw |
| Cashew shell | The protective shell surrounding the seed | Commercially processed to obtain the edible kernel | Contains irritating caustic shell liquid |
Important Cashew Safety Warning
Do not eat, crack, roast or casually process a raw cashew nut directly from the tree. The shell contains cashew nut shell liquid with irritating compounds that can burn or blister skin and seriously irritate the eyes.
Commercial cashew kernels are specially processed before they are sold as food. Home processing should not be attempted without appropriate knowledge, protective equipment and safe processing methods.
The ripe cashew apple is different from the untreated nut and shell. Confirm ripeness, cleanliness and safe food handling before eating the apple.
How to Grow Cashew Trees in South Florida
Climate and cold protection
Cashew is tropical and grows best in zones 10b and 11. Trees dislike temperatures below about 50°F, and temperatures below about 40°F can cause severe injury or death. Protect young trees with covers or move container plants into shelter.
Sunlight and acclimation
Established trees need full sun. Begin young seedlings in partial shade and gradually increase sunlight over one to two weeks to reduce leaf burn.
Soil and drainage
Choose fast-draining soil and avoid heavy clay, low areas and locations that remain wet after rain. A soil pH around 5.8 to 6.5 is suitable.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment, then allow the upper soil to dry partially between waterings. Cashew trees tolerate some dryness better than prolonged wet soil.
Fertilizer
Use a light, balanced fertilizer during active spring and summer growth. Follow the label and avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage weak vegetative growth.
Wind protection
Young cashew trees benefit from protection from strong wind, which can damage large leaves and dry containers quickly.
Pruning
Prune selectively to create a strong framework, remove damaged growth and keep young trees compact enough for winter protection.
Container growing
Step young plants into larger pots gradually. Use a fast-draining mix and unrestricted drainage holes. Container trees are easier to move during cold weather.
Flowering, Pollination and Fruiting
Cashew flowers are visited by insects and a single self-fertile tree can produce fruit. Growing a second tree may increase pollinator activity and provide a larger harvest.
A healthy seedling may begin producing around three years of age under favorable conditions. Fruiting time varies with genetics, tree size, warmth, sunlight, nutrition and winter protection.
The cashew apple becomes colorful, aromatic and softer as it ripens. Harvest carefully because ripe apples bruise easily.
Common Cashew Tree Problems
| Problem | Possible cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Brown or bleached leaves | Sudden intense sun, cold or wind | Recent exposure and weather changes |
| Yellow leaves | Wet roots, poor drainage or nutrition | Soil moisture and fertilizer history |
| Slow growth | Cool weather, shade or root stress | Temperature, light and container roots |
| Flowers but little fruit | Low pollinator activity or weather stress | Insect visits, drought and temperature |
| Fruit drop | Water stress, cold, wind or immature tree | Irrigation, weather and tree age |
Buy Cashew Trees from Pepe's Fruit Trees
Cashew seedlings are offered in limited quantities, commonly around 8–12 inches tall. Actual size and inventory may change.
Local pickup is available in Davie, Florida. Check the online store for current availability and selected shipping options.
Shop Cashew TreesQuestions? Call 954-740-4070.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cashew Trees
Can cashew trees grow in Florida?
Yes. Cashew trees can grow in the warmest parts of Florida, especially South Florida. They need warmth, full sun after acclimation, excellent drainage and protection from cold weather.
Can cashew trees grow in South Florida?
Yes. Cashew trees can grow and fruit in South Florida, particularly in protected locations in zones 10b and 11. Young trees should be protected during cold weather.
What is the botanical name of the cashew tree?
The botanical name of the cashew tree is Anacardium occidentale.
Does Pepe's Fruit Trees sell cashew trees?
Yes. Pepe's Fruit Trees offers cashew seedlings when available, with local pickup in Davie, Florida and selected shipping options through the online store.
How large are the cashew trees sold by Pepe's Fruit Trees?
Cashew seedlings are commonly offered at approximately 8 to 12 inches tall measured from the soil line, although actual size and availability can vary.
How long does a cashew tree take to fruit?
A healthy cashew seedling may begin flowering and fruiting at around three years of age under favorable conditions. Timing varies with climate, plant vigor, soil, water and care.
Are cashew trees self-fertile?
Yes. Cashew trees are self-fertile and their flowers are pollinated mainly by insects. A single tree can produce fruit, while a second tree may improve pollination and harvest size.
Do I need two cashew trees to get fruit?
No. One self-fertile cashew tree can produce fruit. Growing two trees can increase the amount of compatible pollen and may improve the crop.
What is a cashew apple?
The cashew apple is the swollen, colorful, juicy structure that develops above the true cashew fruit. It may ripen yellow, orange or red depending on the tree.
Is the cashew apple edible?
Yes. A fully ripe, clean cashew apple is edible and may be eaten fresh or used for juice, preserves, sauces and other foods. It can be juicy, aromatic and astringent.
Can raw cashew nuts be eaten directly from the tree?
No. The untreated nut and shell should not be eaten directly from the tree. The shell contains irritating caustic compounds and commercial cashews are specially processed before sale.
Why is the raw cashew shell dangerous?
The shell contains cashew nut shell liquid with irritating compounds that can burn or blister skin and harm the eyes. Do not casually crack, roast or process raw cashew nuts at home.
Does a cashew tree need full sun?
Established cashew trees grow best in full sun. Young nursery-grown seedlings should begin in partial shade and be acclimated gradually to stronger sunlight.
What soil is best for cashew trees?
Cashew trees prefer fast-draining soil and do not tolerate prolonged waterlogging or heavy wet clay. A slightly acidic soil around pH 5.8 to 6.5 is suitable.
How often should I water a cashew tree?
Water young trees regularly while they establish, then allow the upper soil to dry partially between waterings. Adjust for rainfall, temperature, container size and drainage.
What fertilizer should I use on a cashew tree?
Use a light, balanced fruit-tree or organic fertilizer during active spring and summer growth, following the label. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications.
How cold hardy is a cashew tree?
Cashew is tropical and dislikes temperatures below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below about 40 degrees can cause serious injury or death, especially in young trees.
Can cashew trees grow in containers?
Yes. Young cashew trees can grow in containers and should be moved into larger pots gradually. Long-term production is usually better in the ground in a suitable warm climate.
How large does a cashew tree become?
A cashew tree can become a medium to large spreading tree in a tropical climate. Pruning can keep a young tree more compact and easier to protect from cold.
Where can I buy a cashew tree in South Florida?
Pepe's Fruit Trees offers cashew seedlings when available. Local pickup is available in Davie, Florida, and current inventory can be checked through the online store.
