Brazil nuts, also known as Amazon almonds or corozo nuts, are very he althy because of their high selenium content. Some nut lovers might come up with the idea of growing their own tree from a nut. However, the chances of success are more than uncertain.
Can you grow a Brazil nut tree from a kernel?
A Brazil nut tree can be grown from an untreated kernel, but it is unlikely to thrive in our latitudes. Subtropical climate is necessary, so a greenhouse is essential. In addition, the tree needs 30 years until its first flowering.
Can a Brazil nut tree be grown from a kernel?
Basically, a Brazil nut tree can be grown from an untreated kernel. However, you should not expect the tree to thrive in our latitudes.
A Brazil nut tree requires a subtropical climate, such as the rainforests of Brazil. The required temperatures and humidity could only be achieved in a greenhouse.
A home-grown Brazil nut tree certainly won't produce nuts, even in a greenhouse. The tree takes 30 years to bloom for the first time. It takes another 18 months for a fruit with many seeds to ripen. Then the tree is already too high to be kept in the greenhouse.
How to sow a Brazil nut tree?
The germination period is several months or even years.
- Fill plant pot with cactus soil (€12.00 at Amazon)
- Remove the nut seeds from the shell
- Put the nut kernel in the ground
- Cover with some soil
- Keep moist
- Set up warm and bright
Where do Brazil nut trees grow?
The homeland of the Brazil nut tree is Brazil. The huge trees grow there in the rainforests. They are not cultivated as they take far too long to develop fruit.
In addition, plantations cannot create the climatic conditions that trees need to grow.
When and how are Brazil nuts harvested?
The harvest season lasts throughout the rainy season from November to March. The capsule fruits are not picked, but fall from the trees to the ground and are collected there.
The fruits of the Brazil nut tree weigh two kilograms. Inside there are 20 to 40 seeds, known locally as Brazil nuts. A cut fruit capsule resembles half an orange.
Brazil nuts are not poisonous and are eaten raw.
How old and how tall do Brazil nut trees get?
Under favorable conditions, the trees grow 50 centimeters every year and reach a height of 50 meters.
A Brazil nut tree can live up to 300 years.
Tips & Tricks
Brazil nuts have the highest selenium content of all edible plants. Peeled kernels spoil very quickly due to mold growth. The nuts should therefore only be bought with the shell on.