When can I expect my coconut palms to begin to produce?
In general, coconut palms will flower in 4 - 6 years. They may not
actually produce fruit, however, until they are 6 – 10 years old. And if
growing conditions are unfavorable, they may not bear until they reach 15 –
20 years of age. Full production is at 15 -20; they can potentially produce
until they are about 80 years old.
Although
coconut palms are tolerant of dry soil conditions, for optimum fruit production
regular irrigation is recommended, especially during drought conditions.
Palms can also endure
temporary waterlogged soil conditions. Yet they will decline and even die when
exposed to prolonged periods of wet, poorly drained soils. Coconut palms will tolerate
saline water and soils, as well as salt spray, but this does not mean they
prefer it. Coconut palms respond to applications of a balanced fertilizer, such as
10-10-30. Organic mulch and fertilizers are good and highly
recommended.