As the life span of a coconut tree is about 60 years, the foundation of a successful coconut plantation is the selection of a high quality plant. A good coconut tree could be created by nurturing seed coconut selected from a correct, fertile tree. These plants are available at the nurseries of Coconut Development Board.
Basically coconut plants could be obtained in two forms:
1.Non-Polybag seedlings
After nurturing seed coconuts for about 7 months only the good seedlings will be selected plant.
2.Polybag seedlings
Once the sprig becomes about ½ an inch of the seed coconuts nurtured in the nursery those will be planted polybag. It is advantageous to grow polybag plants in the field.
Features of a high quality coconut plant
1.Fat trunk
2.Green colored fronds in the center
3.Wide spread of fronds
4.Being with shortened branches
5.Being with 4 – 5 leaves
6.Sharp edges on leaves
7.Being without any diseases and pest
Growing the plants and gap to be maintained
If a polybag plant, the bottom has to be cut off and placed in the coconut pit filled with soil and some amount of soil is removed from its center. Finally, it has to be carefully uprooted without damaging roots.
Growing the plants and gap to be maintained
To grow the plant a sandy soil to be selected where there is bright sun light.
Coconut pit has to be 3’ X 3’ X 3’
The number of coconut plants to be grown is basically decided on the methods and recommended distance
| System of Planting | Distance between plants | No. if plants per acre |
| Square Method | 26’ x 26’ 24 x 24′ | 64 72 |
| Wide Lines Method | 26’ x 32’ | 52 |
| Special Wide Lines Method | 26’ x 40’ | 42 |
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