Growing Cacao Seedlings

stevenm_2008

15 years ago

Hi everyone

I was wondering if anyone could give me any information on the growth rate of cacao seedlings. i planted two pods just over a month ago now and almost all have grown. i keep them in polystyrene boxes with a lamp to give them light and i put boiling water in milk cartons to keep them warm. this tends to keep them at around 75 - 85 degrees however at times it can get a little cooler than that.

They seem to be growing and most have a few leaved but arent producing new leaves as quickly as they did the first leaves, generally they seem ok but some of the new growth looks as if its getting damaged and turning a little brown and some are even dropping some of their new immature leaves. maybe im being pedantic and their new growth is slow at first but i thought i would ask.

What are the best conditions to grow cacao seedlings and how resistant are they to differences in those conditions?

Thanks

Steven

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

aroideana
15 years ago
They really only grow well up here in the tropics Steve .
Recent trials in South Johnstone showed that harvests can be double the usual , but harvesting would cost to much [ by hand ] we await a mechanical harvester. My tree has slowed down growth over winter . New flush is usually a pink colour . You must be in Canada or real old to be using F temps !
Related Discussions
HAVE: Med Red Cacao seedlings
Q
Comments (6)
Hi tiffschorn, I have a Stictocardia beraviensis - Hawaiian Sunset Bell vine (rooted cutting in a 4" pot from the mother plant pictured) for trade if you are interested. PLMK if you are interested in a trade, thanks! Rebecca
...See More
How hard is it to grow theobroma cacao indoors??
Q
Comments (4)
I have 2 six foot T. cacao trees that I have been growing and over-wintering in my garage. (I purchased them from a nursery in late October and suspected that we were in for a harsh winter here in Venice, FL.) The coldest it got in the garage was 55 degrees this winter while it was 25 degrees outside. They are doing great - they have pretty much fully leafed out in there even though we have had a record cold winter here. The key (I think) is to use a medium which allows for excellent drainage, i.e., mostly bark, perlite, etc. They do like to be watered and fed. I use organic fertilizer, but I have read that they handle chemical fertilizers without any trouble. They do like humidity. I think they would be worth trying indoors provided that you misted them occasionally. Good luck.
...See More
Growing Cacao seeds from Cacao Pod
Q
Comments (14)
Chris and tropical I'm in Ft Lauderdale too, I have 2 different types of trees. 1 is a yellow pod and 1 is an orange pod. I got mine from Pine Island nursery. you can mail order or you can drive there, not far at all if you go through the everglades, Rt 29. They are in Homestead off of Chrome Ave and nicely priced. bought my 1st over a year ago, it was only a few inches tall, grew 4 feet in the first year. the second was already that tall when I bought it a few months ago. they also have LOTS of other really neat fruit and spice trees,as does excalibur I am starting to grow some from cuttings. my trees I don't bring inside for the winter though
...See More
WANTED: cacao and jackfruit seeds or small seedlings
Q
Comments (0)
I am looking for cacao and jackfruit seeds or small seedlings. I have various seedlings to trade. Thanks, Ed Katy, Tx
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started

By Abundant City

Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Delicious Mint

By Marianne Lipanovich

Pull out a pot for this one. Mint's spreading habit and hard-to-kill nature can be a blessing — if you're properly prepared

Full Story

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Spinach

By Marianne Lipanovich

Chock-full of antioxidants and iron, spinach is a nutrient-rich addition to your fall or spring garden

Full Story

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

Full Story

113

FARM YOUR YARD Grow a Kitchen Garden in 16 Square Feet

By Bill Marken

Got a sunny 4-by-4 space? You can make meals more interesting with your own vegetables and herbs

Full Story

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Carrots

By Marianne Lipanovich

More than just a bunny food, easy-to-grow carrots add lacy good looks to a fall or spring garden

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Summer Crops: How to Grow Okra

By Marianne Lipanovich

Go for the gumbo with this quick-growing edible that brings colorful pods and delicate flowers to a summer garden

Full Story

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Salad Greens

By Marianne Lipanovich

From arugula to radicchio, greens have taken a top spot on the table and in fall and winter gardens. See how to start growing them now

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Oregano and Marjoram

By Marianne Lipanovich

Say 'buon giorno' to classic Italian herbs you can grow just as easily in pots as in the summer garden

Full Story

Growing Cacao Seedlings

Comment (1)

aroideana

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US