Macadamia seedlings are high-value nut trees ideal for Bomet/Central Kenya. Two main types: grafted (recommended) and ungrafted.
*Traits:* Evergreen tree with glossy dark-green leaves, shallow roots, starts as vigorous seedling 30-60cm at sale. Grafted varieties like KMB-3, MRG-20, KRG-15, EMB-1 fruit true-to-type.
*Advantages:*
- Early maturity: grafted bears in 2-3 years vs 5-7 for seedlings.
- High yield: 30-50kg nuts/tree mature, up to 80kg well-managed.
- Long lifespan: 50+ years, profitable for generations.
- Low maintenance: drought tolerant once established, few pests.
- High market: Export demand huge, `/kg in-shell.
Spacing 7x7m to 10x10m (100-200 trees/ha). Altitude 10002000m. Needs well-drained soil, manure at planting. Intercrop with coffee.