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Planting a Coconut

The coconut, Cocos nucifera, as acultivated plant has wide distribution in tropicaland subtropical regions in both hemispheres.Probably native to subtropical Asia, it wasbrought to Latin America by the Portugueseand Spaniards, and now grows throughout thetropical world.

The trees, sturdy and wind resistant, haveleaning trunks which may reach 8o or more feetin height. They are beautiful large palms whichare unexcelled in importance among fruit-producing trees of the world. The millions ofacres of planted coconuts yield food, drink andfiber. The oily meat of the nut, termed coprawhen dried, is important in world trade. It isthe source of dried coconut, and of coconut oilused extensively in soaps and cooking. The fiberof the husks goes into cordage, brushes andcoarse matting. The nut shells become house-hold utensils. The leaves are used in mats andthatching. Sugar, alcohol and vinegar are alsoobtained from the coconut.

Coconuts are grown to a limited extent insouthern Fla., southern Calif and Hawaii.Several varieties are available from nurserymen.Propagation is by seed, in some cases plantedin nurseries, more often where the tree is togrow. The unhusked nut (the seed) is placed onits side and only partially covered with soil.Germination takes place in 4-5 months if thesoil is moist.

For nut production distance between trees isabout 25 feet. Bearing starts when the tree is about 6 years old and the yield increasinggradually for 12-14 years.

If climatic conditions are right, a coconutpalm will grow and bear well in many types ofsoil. Water supply limits both growth andyield. The Coconut cannot survive under water-logged conditions; on the other hand, the rootsmust be able to reach a constant supply ofwater. The original home of the Coconut wasprobably along the coast, and the general beliefis that it does better near the sea. That this isnot necessarily true is indicated by high-yieldingplantations many miles inland. Although theCoconut will not thrive when the water availableis as salty as the sea, it can stand much moresalt than many other plants.

When one or more nutritional elements isdeficient, the palm does not grow well. Thechemical elements that may be in short supplyin the soil are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassiumand iron, occasionally calcium and zinc.

The best way of making sure insects anddiseases cause little damage lies in providingoptimum growing conditions. Coconut andsimilar palms are known to be infested with 35different scale insects and mealybugs. Many ofthem are held in check by natural enemies butoccasionally spraying with insecticide # 15 or# 13 when crawlers are active is necessary.Consult local authorities for latest recommenda-tions. Weak or injured trees are susceptible toattack by borers which can be cut out, probedwith a wire or treated with a special borer paste.Avoid trunk injuries which attract borers.Bacterial bud rot, a disease of buds and othertender parts, requires drastic eradication, evento removing and burning the infected tree.Other rots may appear, but they are seldomcommon or serious.

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