Cocoa beans are seeded by planting them soon after removal from the pod.
The Seeding Process
The process of seeding cocoa beans is straightforward, but timing is crucial for success. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Freshness is Key: According to our reference material, the most important factor is the freshness of the seed.
- Sow Immediately: The seeds should be sown as soon as they are removed from the pod.
- Never Keep Pods Longer than a Week: It is very important to avoid keeping the pods more than a week as the germ may die. A dead germ means the plant will not grow.
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Direct Sowing:
- Plantation Sowing: In some regions, cocoa seeds are directly sown in the plantation where the trees are intended to grow.
Why Timing Matters
The viability of cocoa seeds decreases rapidly after extraction from the pod. If the germ of the seed dies, it will not grow into a plant.
Summary
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Extraction | Remove seeds from the cocoa pod. |
| Timing | Sow seeds immediately, definitely within one week of pod removal. |
| Planting Location | Directly in the plantation or in a nursery. |
