Q. I would like to know
why coconut trees are not bearing coconuts in Qatar.
why coconut trees are not bearing coconuts in Qatar.
A. Probably it is not old enough. Given proper care and
growing conditions, coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten
years, taking 15 – 20 years to reach peak production. It will take longer if it
is in poor health or stressed. Some coconut palms require cross pollination
from another tree.
growing conditions, coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten
years, taking 15 – 20 years to reach peak production. It will take longer if it
is in poor health or stressed. Some coconut palms require cross pollination
from another tree.
On fertile soil, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to
75 fruits per year, but more often yield less than 30 mainly due to poor management
and fertilizer practices. I don’t think high temperatures of Qatar will be a
problem for tree survival but low temperatures will. Refrigerator temperatures for
long periods of time outside may discourage coconut production.
75 fruits per year, but more often yield less than 30 mainly due to poor management
and fertilizer practices. I don’t think high temperatures of Qatar will be a
problem for tree survival but low temperatures will. Refrigerator temperatures for
long periods of time outside may discourage coconut production.
Your coconut palm will have difficulty with new growth during
dry weather. The fronds may have trouble opening so if they do, hose them down
with water. The fronds will also brown or scorch on the tips, more so than in
tropical humid climates. They may not look the best.
dry weather. The fronds may have trouble opening so if they do, hose them down
with water. The fronds will also brown or scorch on the tips, more so than in
tropical humid climates. They may not look the best.
If your temperatures get much below 10° C (refrigerator
temperature) and stay there for a while they may not produce fruit. Also, some
coconut palms may require cross pollination to set fruit much like corn does.
Some of the specialty coconut palm trees, particularly the dwarf types, are thought
to be self-fertile and may set fruit on their own.
temperature) and stay there for a while they may not produce fruit. Also, some
coconut palms may require cross pollination to set fruit much like corn does.
Some of the specialty coconut palm trees, particularly the dwarf types, are thought
to be self-fertile and may set fruit on their own.
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| Dwarf coconut palm in plastic container |
Coconut palm roots are very similar to grass roots except
bigger. A large container is needed if container grown because they need to
support themselves as they get taller and require a large enough area to grow
this root system. Under natural rainfall, these roots could spread perhaps 30
feet from the trunk.
bigger. A large container is needed if container grown because they need to
support themselves as they get taller and require a large enough area to grow
this root system. Under natural rainfall, these roots could spread perhaps 30
feet from the trunk.
They like water but do not keep the soil around them constantly
wet. Keeping the fruit continuously wet works for germination of the seed but
not once they start growing.
wet. Keeping the fruit continuously wet works for germination of the seed but
not once they start growing.
So, in short, protect it
if temperatures drop close to refrigerator temperature and keep it as close to
50 or 55° as you can during these cold periods. Summer temperatures shouldn’t
be a problem unless it’s setting fruit during these temperatures. It will
probably drop fruit. The fronds may not look the best due to high temperatures,
low humidity, and wind.