Earn a Macadamic Degree in Planting Nut Trees

Orange County gardeners who grow macadamia trees will reap a tasty crop and beautify their yards.

April 01, 2000
| JULIE BAWDEN DAVIS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Mention macadamia nuts and most people think of Hawaii, which is something Tom Cooper wants to stop. Instead, the Fallbrook macadamia nut farmer would like you to think of your backyard.

“Many people don’t realize that in Southern California, we can grow macadamia nuts that are even better than those grown in Hawaii,” says the owner of Cooper’s Nut House, where they sell macadamia nut trees and farm, process, and sell nuts.

Macadamia nuts aren’t even from Hawaii. Native to Australia, they were introduced to California and Hawaii in 1888.

“Five of those original trees are still thriving and producing in various areas of Southern California,” says Cooper.

Though we grow different varieties than they do in Hawaii, macadamia nuts grown here are extremely tasty, and the trees are easy to grow, says Eunice Messner of Anaheim Hills, a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers and the Orange County Rare Fruit Growers and a contributing editor to The Fruit Gardener Magazine.

Macadamia nut trees are also attractive landscape additions, says Messner. “They flower this time of year with pretty, long, pink, tassel-like blooms that stay on the tree for about a month, after which the nuts form.”

Macadamia Tree Growth and Planting Tips

Macadamia trees generally grow to about 25 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. They bloom now and will bear next winter through early spring. They can be planted at any time of year, although spring and fall, when the weather is mild, are the best planting times.

Varieties of Macadamia Trees

There are several varieties available for home growing. Here are some of the popular ones:

  • ‘Beaumont’: A favorite variety for home gardens that can bloom multiple times a year. The ‘Beaumont’ nuts sometimes split on the tree, leading to a bitter flavor. Remove the brown part to improve taste.
  • ‘Cate’: Known for its thinner shell and short blooming period.
  • ‘Cannon’: Has a medium-thick shell and large nut.
  • ‘Carmel’: Features an even larger nut.
  • ‘James’: Known for its thick shell and good flavor.

Growing Tips for Macadamia Trees

To ensure the best results for your macadamia tree, follow these essential tips:

  • Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Site: Ensure the soil drains well and, if necessary, improve heavy clay soil by adding pumice or gypsum.
  • Provide Constant Moisture: Macadamia trees need a lot of water, about six gallons per day. Keep the top 6-8 inches of soil moist, especially in sandy soils.
  • Mulch Regularly: Use mulch to retain moisture and provide nutrients. Tree droppings can be ground up and used as mulch.
  • Fertilizing: Macadamia trees are not heavy feeders. Cooper uses mulch for nutrients, while Snider applies balanced fertilizer twice a year. Messner uses chicken compost and a seaweed spray in spring.
  • Pruning: Once established, pruning is minimal. Train young trees by pruning to form a single trunk with limbs radiating to prevent wind damage. Prune after harvesting.

Harvesting and Storing Macadamia Nuts

Some macadamia trees drop their nuts when they are ready, while others, like the ‘Beaumont,’ must be stripped. After harvesting, remove the husk to reveal the brown shell, inside of which is the nut meat. To store:

  • Dry the nuts while still in the shell. Air-dry them for 10 days to two weeks in the shade, then place them in an oven at 110 to 115 degrees for about two days.
  • Once dry, remove the shell using a macadamia nut cracker, as the shell is very hard.

Dealing with Pests

Macadamia trees are rarely bothered by pests, but rodents such as rats, squirrels, and mice may be attracted to the fruit. Contact county vector control for advice on baiting or trapping.

Macadamia Resources

  • Cooper’s Nut House: Carries trees, nuts, and nut crackers. They also dry and crack nuts for a fee. 1378 Willow Glen Road, Fallbrook. Open daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (760) 728-6407 or www.coopersnuthouse.com
  • The California Macadamia Society: Offers resources for growing and using macadamia nuts. Annual dues are $17.50. P.O. Box 1298, Fallbrook 92088. (760) 728-8081 or users.aol.com/TeeterJS/cms
  • The Orange County Rare Fruit Growers: Meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa.


Julie Bawden-Davis

Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist, novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning suspense served up with a dose of romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire. Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.