Cashew nuts cannot be grown in Xinjiang because the temperature conditions cannot be met.

Cashew nuts are native to northeastern Brazil, within 10° south latitude. Introduced to Asia and Africa in the 16th century, it has now spread throughout East Africa and South Asia. Countries with larger cashew nut planting areas in the world include India, Brazil, Vietnam, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

In China, cashew nuts are mainly distributed in Hainan and Yunnan, and have also been introduced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan.

Cashew nuts are extremely adaptable and are a temperature-loving and strongly positive tree species. It is resistant to drought and barrenness and has certain wind resistance. It is suitable to grow below an altitude of 400 meters. It does not have high soil requirements. Except for poor development on heavy clay and limestone, it can grow in red soil, sandy soil or rocky mountains where the soil organic matter content is less than 1%.

Cashew nuts are not cold-tolerant and require very high temperatures during the growth period. Flowering and fruiting are normal when the monthly average temperature is 23-30°C. Growth is slow at 20°C. If it is lower than 17°C, it is susceptible to cold damage. If it is lower than 15°C, it will be severely damaged and cause death. The annual sunshine is more than 2,000 hours, and the annual precipitation is preferably 1,000-1,600 mm. It is not suitable to plant in areas where the groundwater level is too high or where water accumulates during the rainy season. Avoid rain during the flowering period.

The peak growth period is usually at the beginning of the rainy season. The main root of a 4- to 5-year-old tree is 5 meters deep and the lateral roots are well developed. The lateral roots of a 6-year-old tree are about 7 meters long. It blooms 2 years after planting and bears fruit in 3 years. It enters the fruiting period after 8 years and the fruiting period is 15-25 years.