How Long Until a Coconut Tree Matures?

There are more than 1,500 different species of palm tree, including the coconut tree.

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a nut-bearing palm tree that also goes by the common names coco palm and coconut palm. Coconuts provide a sustainable crop in many parts of the world, growing primarily in tropical regions. They are valued and harvested for many different aspects including their oil, meat, water and milk, as well as the seed shells and husks. Thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, coconut trees require a few years before they reach maturity and begin producing nuts.

Years to Maturity

After planting, it takes approximately four to 10 years for a coconut tree to reach maturity. At that time, the tree begins producing flowers, and then coconuts begin to develop. The coconut palm comes in both tall and dwarf varieties. Dwarf varieties reach maturity and begin producing nuts much faster, within four to six years; however, these trees are not as hardy and simple to grow as tall varieties, and they often have a shorter lifespan. Tall varieties may have a longer period to reach maturity, but once they do, you can expect a crop of 25 to 75 coconuts per years. Coconut trees live up to 80 or 90 years and continue to produce nuts through their lifetime.

Size at Maturity

At maturity, the coconut tree stands between 80 and 100 feet tall. However, dwarf coconut trees are approximately one-third the size of tall coconut cultivars. The elongated, curling leaves sit atop of the tree like a crown. Also known as fronds, these leaves measure as much as 10 to 15 feet long at maturity. When full with a heavy load of coconuts, it is not unusual for a coconut tree to lean to one side due to the weight.

Coconut Maturity

Once your tree begins producing coconuts, it does not mean that they are ready for harvest immediately. In fact, once coconuts appear, it takes approximately one year before the coconuts are ready for harvest. Even so, coconuts reach their full size at six months. You can tell that the nuts are ready for harvest once they change from green to yellow or brown. Coconuts appear in bunches, and each coconut reaches maturity at the same time.

Precautions and Considerations

It is important to note that coconuts are capable of falling from the tree long before they reach maturity. When a coconut falls, due to the height of the tree, it is a danger to anyone or anything sitting or residing below the tree. Coconuts have been known to kill people standing below the tree when they fall. Therefore, to ensure a safer environment with your tree, it is best to remove coconuts from the tree before they have turned brown, indicating maturity. Remove the nuts before they reach eight months or older. This decreases the chances of the nuts falling and posing a danger.

Author: Casandra Maier

Source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-until-coconut-tree-matures-87963.html