How to Grow Cacao from Seed?

Growing cacao from seed involves proper planting and care to ensure successful germination and plant development.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Seed Selection: Use fresh cacao seeds. Viability decreases quickly after removal from the pod.

2. Planting: Plant one seed in each container, approximately 2 to 3 centimeters deep.

3. Environment:

   • Outdoor Method: Place containers outside where rain can keep the soil moist, facilitating germination.
   • Greenhouse Method: Alternatively, maintain the containers in a greenhouse and water regularly.

4. Germination: Cacao seeds typically sprout in about one week and will begin to form new leaves quickly.

5. Ongoing Care:

   • Ensure consistent moisture levels in the soil without waterlogging.
   • Provide adequate shade initially as young cacao plants are sensitive to direct sunlight.
   • Transplant seedlings to larger pots as they grow, eventually to their final location if the climate permits.