About
A small, semi-evergreen to evergreen tree, which grows up to 8 metres in its native habitat, but much shorter in cooler climates. Although Cacao trees can live for up to 100 years, they generally only fruit for half of their lifetime, with the peak fruiting age at around 10 years old. It will take around 5 years for trees to begin fruiting. The fruit is large and ovoid, ripening from yellow to orange, with the seeds or 'beans' being the main ingredient of chocolate. Clusters of white flowers with a pink calyx emerge directly from the trunk or branches on trees that are 3 to 4 years old. The long, oval foliage is dark green and lush with prominent dark veining.
About the genus
Theobroma is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesSub-tropical
Native toC & S America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, incorporating well-rotted organic matter. Feed with a balanced fertiliser every couple of weeks during the growing season. Not easy to grow in the UK as it requires consistent warmth and high humidity to thrive, so best grown in a heated greenhouse with a temperature of between 18-32°C 12°C (65-90°F). Protect from cold temperatures below 12°C (54°F)
PruningFor container-grown trees, prune once or twice a year, taking out the top of the plant to maintain height. Remove dead or dying branches during the growing season
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting. It is possible to propagate by seed, but plants may not come true to seed and may vary in traits
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and capsid bug, aphids, scale insects, red spider mite and fungus gnats
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungus diseases, including phytophthora