There are only two distinct varieties of coconut, the tall and the dwarf. The tall cultivars that are extensively grown are the West Coast Tall and East Coast Tall.

1. Varieties and Hybrids

a. Varieties

East Coast Tall

West Coast Tall

VPM-3 (Selection from Andaman Ordinary Tall)

ALR (CN -1) (Selection from Arasampatty Tall)

COD (Dwarf for tender coconut purpose only)

b. Hybrids

Tall x Dwarf

VHC 2 - ECT X MYD

VHC 3 - ECT X MOD

TNAU Coconut ALR2

a. Soil

Red sandy loam, laterite and alluvial soils are suitable. Heavy, imperfectly drained soil is unsuitable.

b Planting seasons

June-July, December - January The planting can also be taken up in other seasons wherever irrigation and drainage facilities are available.

c. Spacing
Adopt a spacing of 25' x 25' (7.5 x 7.5 m) with 175 plants/ha.

For planting in field border as a single row, adopt 20' spacing between plants.

d. Planting

Dug pit size of 3’ x 3' x 3'

e. Water management

From 5th year onwards, adopt the following irrigation schedule based on pan evaporation for drip irrigation and basin irrigation.