🥥 Coconut: Growing Guide
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 15–38 °C (59–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.0–8.0. Space plants about 600 cm (236 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cocos nucifera |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Fruits |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 600 cm (236 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 15–38 °C (59–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 1500–3000 cm (591–1181 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
Tropical. Grow indoors in a pot. Tall vs dwarf types. Water, milk and edible flesh.
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Coconut: when should I sow and plant it?
Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
Coconut: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Coconut: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 600 cm (236 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Coconut: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Coconut: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Lethal yellowing, Rhinoceros beetle.
Plan your garden
Add Coconut to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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