Theobroma cacao

[drichard12]

Yes a Chocolate tree. I got a fresh pod from South America this past fall. Yes all the paper work was in order and the pod was legal for import, No radiation treatment, only a chemical dip. thus saving the seeds for planting.

The pod I received was ripe, having some reddish color to the outside casing. The I received a pod that contained about 25-30 seeds.

Once the pod is open, a white web substance surrounds the seeds needs to be removed for planting.

Also outer casing around the seeds needs to be remove, I used fine sand and pond water. using my hands and fingers to break the outer skin.

I planted the seeds in a fast draining soil mix, in the greenhouse. Theobroma cacao needs good drainage. Germination is within a week or two. Planting fat side down.

About 8 months later this is a photo of my Theobroma cacao as it is growing indoors. Will I ever get a pod! It all depends on your personal goals.

It's always fun to test ones growing abilities no matter your zone. By having fun and trying something new, outside the box you live in.

[quark1]

Looks like a very interesting foliage plant - so even if it doesn't deliver a pod in due course - well done you for producing such a handsome specimen!

[drichard12]

Thank You. I guess it can be taken to new levels of growing for production. I've read on the web a person living in Canada did so, but lost the fruits during the course of summer.
My Moderator on CN has seen this tree growing on an abandoned Theobroma cacao plantation and said it grows rather high. Others have said they make a nice house plant.
Rescreaching the internet before the buy, My understandings was that growing Theobroma cacao was very hard grow. due to the climates that they are grown in. perhaps I misunderstood and it was meant for production.
Anyway I found growing Theobroma cacao very easy all you need is a fresh pod having seeds. and a well draining soil mix.
A member of CN that lives in Australia has said that the Theobroma cacao that was growing died 2 years after planting.
Interesting... Regards

[greasyfire]

The jellys sorrounding the seeds is quite tasty however getting that to fruit will be aproblem, nevertheless kew has done it and is very succesfull. Cacoa thrive is the shade of trees sof dont put it in directb sun light