Coconut — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cocos nucifera |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 90–180 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 2920–3650 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 609.6–914.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 914.4–1828.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–762 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant container-grown seedlings in well-drained, sandy to loamy soil in full sun; coconut palm is the most widely cultivated and economically important palm tree in the world — a single tree provides coconut fruit (with meat, milk, water, and oil), fibrous husk (coir), palm fronds (for thatching and weaving), and palm heart, making it one of the most useful food trees in human history. In zone 10–12 Florida, Hawaii, and tropical coastal areas it grows to 30–60 feet with a gracefully curving trunk and a spreading canopy of long, feathery fronds. Trees begin producing coconuts 6–10 years after planting and can remain productive for 70–80 years. Excellent salt tolerance makes it one of the best trees for coastal landscapes. 'Malayan Dwarf' cultivars are shorter, earlier fruiting, and moderately hurricane-resistant. Growth is faster in deep, moist, sandy soil with access to groundwater. Extremely frost-sensitive — any freezing temperature causes permanent damage; restricted to southernmost Florida and Hawaii in the US.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0