East Coast Tall

Stature: As a "tall" variety, ECT palms are robust and can grow to a height of 15-18 meters (or more), with some sources mentioning up to 30 meters.

Lifespan: They are long-lived, typically reaching an age of 80 to 90 years, and can remain productive for 60-70 years.

Nut Characteristics: The nuts are medium to large in size, varying in shape from spheroid to linear-oblong. 

Copra and Oil: They produce good quality and quantity of copra (dried coconut meat) with a fairly high oil content, typically around 64-68%. The copra content per nut is around 125-172 grams.

The average annual yield of East Coast Tall coconut palms is around 220 nuts per palm per year..

• Pits: Pit sizes vary depending on soil type (e.g., 1m x 1m x 1m for loamy soil, 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m for lateritic soils, 0.75m x 0.75m x 0.75m for sandy soil).

  Filling: Pits are typically filled with topsoil, farmyard manure (FYM), red earth, and sand mixed in equal proportions.

  Spacing: Common spacing for tall varieties is 9 m x 9 m (27' x 27')..

• Watering: Water the young plants regularly, especially during the first year. Mature trees require less frequent watering but still need consistent moisture.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK ratio of 8:4:12) quarterly to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and control weeds.

• Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged fronds to maintain tree health and appearance. Prune fruit stalks once the fruits have been harvested to encourage new growth.
• Pest Control: Inspect the tree regularly for pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and mites. Apply appropriate insecticides or biological control methods as needed.
• Disease Prevention: Monitor the tree for signs of fungal or bacterial infections. Implement proper sanitation and cultural practices to minimize the risk of disease.