Position – Cacao trees thrive in hot, humid climates and will even do great in a greenhouse. Cacao trees prefer areas with full sun.
Size – A mature cacao tree can grow to between 6 and 9 metres tall with a spread of up to 1 metre.
Soil – Cacao trees can withstand both acidic and alkaline soil with soil pH between 5 and 7.5. Soil should be loamy, moist and well-drained.
Watering – Cacao trees enjoy plenty of water, so ensure you water these trees regularly.
Pruning – The first pruning will occur just after the main harvest and before the rainy season. Whilst a second pruning will be needed five months later. Pruning aims to give the cacao tree a structure that will help maximize its production.
Harvesting – Cocoa beans will grow from the trunk and branches of the cacao tree. Pods are harvested manually by making a clean cut through the stalk. Harvest the cocoa by removing ripe pods from the tree and opening them to extract the wet beans.
