The harvesting of cacao typically begins in mid-to-late May and continues through October.
cacao
Theobroma cacao
Cacao is a tropical tree species native to Central and South America and is found in the Amazon River Basin. It is an evergreen that produces edible seeds, known as cocoa beans, which are the main ingredient used to make chocolates. The seeds are encased in large pods that open when fully ripe. Cacao trees require temperatures of 20-30 degrees Celsius and prefer humid and shaded lowland environments. The fruits produced are an important source of food for many species of birds, mammals, and aquatic animals. Cacao is an essential crop for many farmers in Central and South America and is a major export.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Tissue Culture,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
11 - 12
Flowers:
Pink Flowers
Sun:
full sun,part shade
Fruits:
red,yellow,purple,orange,brown Fruits Ready In Autumn
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Tropical:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cacao plants require consistent and moderate watering and should be watered 2 to 3 times per week. Each time, they should be watered until the soil is saturated and then allowed to dry before being watered again. During hot, dry weather, they may require more frequent watering. Be sure to avoid the water-logging of the roots, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, you should ensure that some water reaches the lower parts of the trunk and the roots.
sunlight
Cacao trees need upwards of 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit. It is important to note that, when grown in areas with more sun, the trees should receive some shade during the hottest hours of the day. In regards to when the sunlight should be received, most cacao trees grow best when exposed to full sunlight in the morning and early afternoon, and receive some shade in the late afternoon and early evening.
pruning
Cacao plants should typically be pruned no more than twice a year. Pruning is typically done during the end of the dry season, typically in May or June, and then again during the beginning of the wet season, typically in December. Pruning should remove a maximum of 15-20% of the total canopy. This includes removing any branches or stems which are damaged or dead, as well as any crossing, weak or broken branches.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Cacao trees typically begin flowering in April or May.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting of cacao typically begins in mid-to-late May and continues through October.
