Cacao Tree

Name: Cacao Tree
SKU: CAC001
Price: 575.00 ZAR
Availability: InStock

R575.00

Theodroma cacao

The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) is an evergreen that can live up to about 100 years, though most trees are commercially productive for roughly 25–40 years. It is relatively small in size, usually growing to a height of 4–8 meters, and produces both male‑ and female‑function flowers that are largely self‑incompatible, meaning they cannot self‑pollinate effectively and instead depend on insect pollinators, such as tiny midges, for successful fertilization.

Hand pollination is possible, but not commonly used on a large scale. Trees typically begin bearing fruit at around 3–5 years of age, depending on climate and maintenance. The seed pods grow directly from the trunk and branches (a feature called cauliflory), developing from small pinkish‑white flowers and ripening over several months from green to yellow‑orange or orange‑red.

Each pod measures about 20–30 cm in length and 7–12 cm in diameter, containing approximately 20–40 cocoa beans embedded in sweet white pulp, which are processed to make chocolate and cacao powder. Cacao trees grow best in warm, humid tropical conditions with temperatures around 18–32 °C and high humidity, but they can still produce some fruit below 20 °C, though yields decline and the trees become increasingly stressed as temperatures drop toward the lower end of their tolerance.

Scroll down for planting information: Please note that imported tropical plants may be small in size.

SKU: CAC001 Categories: All Tropicals, Cacao Tree

Description
Additional information

Position

Cacao trees thrive in hot, humid climates and will even do well in a greenhouse. Cacao trees prefer areas with full sun. Plant at least 3m apart.

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 a pH between 5 and 7.5. Soil should be loamy, moist, and well-drained.

Superfrass (R25 per bag) is a natural, high-quality organic growth enhancer and pesticide that can be added when planting.

Watering

Cacao trees require plenty of water, so ensure you water them regularly.

Mulching

Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain soil moisture and prevent weeds from taking over.

Fertilising

Apply our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need

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.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in prevention or in after-the-fact control. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.

Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).

Watch for root rot (caused by overwatering) and fungal infections during wet periods.

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.