Cacao seeds should be planted flat or at an angle with the root end down, left uncovered, in a well-draining mix kept uniformly moist, but not waterlogged.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Seed Preparation: Cacao seeds are best planted fresh, as they lose viability quickly. They are fleshy and prone to rot if kept too wet.
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Planting Orientation: The seeds should be positioned either flat or at an angle. Ensure the root end (the pointed end) is facing downwards.
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Coverage: Unlike many seeds, cacao seeds should not be covered with soil. Leaving them uncovered helps prevent rotting.
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Growing Medium: A well-draining mix is crucial. Aim for a mixture that is at least 50% perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage. This prevents the seeds from sitting in water.
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Moisture Management: Maintain a uniformly moist, but not waterlogged, environment. Overwatering is a common cause of cacao seed failure.
In summary, the keys to successfully planting cacao seeds are fresh seeds, proper orientation, no soil cover, a well-draining mix, and careful moisture management.
