Nuts· Macadamia integrifolia

Macadamia Growing Guide

Subtropical evergreen tree native to Australia producing the world's hardest commercially shelled nut. Premium market nut with high oil content (72-78%) and smooth, buttery flavor.

How Long Does Macadamia Take to Grow?

Macadamia typically reaches its first harvest about 7 years after planting.

2555

Days to Harvest

2,285

kg nut-in-shell/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

20-30°C optimal

Rainfall

1000-2000 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

low

Humidity

moderate tolerance

Heat Tolerance

moderate

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: volcanic, deep loam, red basaltic

pH range: 5 - 6 (optimal: 5.5)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate

Phosphorus (P)low

Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

grafted seedlings

Planting Depth

15 cm

Plant Spacing

800 cm apart, 800 cm rows

Planting Season

spring

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

2,070 - 2,500 kg nut-in-shell/ha

Market Demand

high growth

Profitability

very high

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

macadamia nut borer
fruit spotting bug
rats

Common Diseases

phytophthora root rot
anthracnose
trunk canker

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Macadamia trees are shallow-rooted and vulnerable to wind damage; provide windbreaks and avoid exposed sites.

Harvest fallen nuts from the ground regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to minimize quality deterioration and rodent losses.

Trees are sensitive to phosphorus; excessive P application can cause zinc and iron deficiency — soil test before fertilizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Macadamia take to grow?

Macadamia typically takes about 7 years from planting to first harvest. Seeds germinate in about 60 days. The best planting season is spring.

What soil does Macadamia need?

Macadamia grows best in volcanic, deep loam, red basaltic soil with a pH of 5-6. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Macadamia need?

Macadamia grows best at 20-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: moderate.

What is the expected yield for Macadamia?

Across 2 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Macadamia range from 2,070 to 2,500 kg nut-in-shell/hectare, with a median of 2,285. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.