Q&A for How to Grow Chocolate Indoors

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How do I make chocolate from a tree?

Community Answer

The tree produces pods that are filled with seeds covered in a white flesh (which can be eaten). The seeds need to be dried, roasted, then ground into a powder.

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Question

Are there any ways to make a cacao plant more likely to produce fruit? Would getting another tree to cross pollinate help?

Community Answer

Apply high phosphorus fertilizer, such as 5-10-5, to promote fruit. Hand pollinate with a cotton swab or paintbrush to increase chances of fertilization.

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Question

Would it be helpful to put the tree near steam?

Community Answer

Yes. In the cacao tree's natural habitat (rainforest) it is hot and humid. However, do not overdo this as the plant can rot.

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When do I start fertilizing the cacao plant?

Community Answer

After the second pair of leaves have emerged. In early stages of growth, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended amount or less. It can "burn" the roots.

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Question

Do cocoa bean trees need water?

Community Answer

Cocoa bean trees must be kept in a moist, humid environment. You should regularly water the tree.

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Question

For how many years will the cacao tree bear fruit?

Community Answer

For a long time, if conditions are just right. However, as the tree becomes older it becomes susceptible to disease. It can also die from old age.

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Question

Can cocoa be grown in Memphis?

CurtM

Community Answer

Yes! In fact, the humid climate of the southern United States is the perfect environment to cultivate a chocolate tree outside of its subtropical place or origin.

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Can cocoa grow in Goa India?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you make sure that it stays in a moist, humid environment and keep it out of direct sunlight.

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Can cacao trees grow in cold places?

Community Answer

A cacao tree can grow in a cold place, but only if it is kept in a green house or an extremely warm, moist indoor climate. Otherwise, the poor beans will freeze to death.

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Question

Will a Cacao produce fruit when planted outside in a subtropical coastal zone?

CurtM

Community Answer

Growing cacao is a very hit-or-miss endeavor. Even if you're in the right growing zone, there's no guarantee that your tree will ever bear fruit. Your best bet is to provide the ideal environment for your plant and make sure its needs are met for 3-5 full years.

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What do I do if my cacao is flowering but not bearing fruit?

Community Answer

If it's the first time, it's normal. Trees don't start producing until mid-season the first time they do.

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Question

Do I have to repot this eventually?

CurtM

Community Answer

Yes. Mature cacao trees can reach heights of up to 5-6 feet, so you'll likely discover that you original container isn't large enough to hold the rapidly growing plant after a couple years. Look to transfer your cacao once it grows root bound. You'll know this has happened when the roots begin to poke up through the soil at the top of the pot.

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Question

Where do I get the seeds?

Community Answer

You can purchase them on Amazon, or you can search "cacao beans" on Google, then go to the shopping part. Be sure to look at the seed reviews.

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Question

Where can you get cacao seeds in Australia?

CurtM

Community Answer

Check local plant nurseries and special horticulturalists to see if they have seed pods or young plants. If you're unsuccessful, run a quick search to find an online vendor near you that sells cacao. It's important that you buy seed pods from a source that's close to where you live, as the seeds inside won't stay fresh for long once the pod has been removed from the mature tree.

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Question

Can I grow cacao in Hawaii?

Community Answer

Yes, as cacao grows best in places where the temperature is usually warm and humid with plenty of rainfall. There are some farms on Hawaii (the Island, not the state) that take advantage of this. If you are growing it indoors, you may need to check the temperature and humidity in your house.

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Question

How long will the plant produce fruit?

Community Answer

It will produce fruit for 1 year or so.

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