Cacao Tree
Cacao Tree - 3 Gallon is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Fruit Tree Pot Size Reference Guide
Fruit Tree Pot Size Reference Guide
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We sell grafted fruit trees in various sizes, ranging from young 3-gallon plants all the way up to 25-gallon and larger, mature trees.
As a general rule of thumb, here’s what you can expect from each size:
3 gallon: Will take an average of 2-3 years before harvesting your first crop. Trees are small and may be just a single stem, or just starting to develop their first branches. Typical height is between 2-4 feet.
7 gallon: Will take an average of 1–2 years to produce a crop. Branching structure has started to develop, and trunks are between ½ to 1 inch thick. Typical height is between 3-6 feet.
15 gallon: You can usually expect fruit within a year of planting, and some trees are already fruiting at this size. Branch and canopy structure has taken shape and the tree is starting to grow wider. Trunks are between 1 to 1-½ inches thick. Typical height is 5-8 feet.
25 gallon and larger: These are mature trees, and most are ready to produce fruit or have already produced. They have been pruned and shaped multiple times at this point. Trunks are about 2” thick or larger. Typical height is 6-10 ft.
PLEASE NOTE: These descriptions are generalized - Some species of fruit trees are very quick to produce, and others take longer. For example, mulberry trees can start fruiting at a very young age, even as small as a 3 gallon. Mango, avocado, or sapodilla trees will take longer. Each species grows at a different rate and will take varying lengths of time to establish, and even different cultivars can be more precocious (quick to produce) than others.
Order Pick Up Info
Order Pick Up Info
When you select the “Nursery Pickup” option at checkout, please allow up to 24-48 hours for your order to be prepared for pickup. Once your order is ready for pickup, we will email you to let you know that it is ready. Plant orders may be held at the nursery for up to 10 days. If orders are not picked up within this time frame, a 15% restocking fee will be charged. If you are unable to pick up your order, please contact us to request a quote for delivery.
Responsibility of Care
Responsibility of Care
Return Policy
Return Policy
Inventory Disclaimer
Inventory Disclaimer
Every day, we take great care to maintain our inventory and make real-time updates as plants come and go. Because our inventory is constantly changing, and because in-store and online purchases are being made simultaneously, it is possible for a short window to occur when an item is physically sold out, but listed as in-stock on this platform. This is rare, but in the case that it does happen, we will contact you right away and either refund the item or offer an alternative. Thank you for your understanding!
Additionally, we add new plants to the nursery on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Check back often to see what’s in stock, and click the “Notify me when this item is available” button to get updates when your wish-list items are restocked!
Description
Description
Latin name - Theobroma cacao
Cacao is the true source of chocolate and is also a truly tropical tree, naturally adapted to the Amazon rainforest where it is endemic. The Cacao tree can be grown successfully in South Florida, as long it’s planted strategically and protective measures are taken. We wouldn’t recommend planting one north of the Palm Beach/Martin County line, unless you’re willing to take a risk! They are sensitive to temperatures below 50 degrees, and can experience dieback in the low 40s. Cacao trees are also sensitive to strong winds, and should be planted in a sheltered and wind-protected area.
The Cacao tree can adapt to full sun, but considering the above, it’s usually best to plant in a shady area. The tree can reach a large size in the tropics, but in Florida they’ll typically grow no larger than 12-15 feet under good conditions. The fruit is formed by a small, inconspicuous white flower, and hang directly from the trunk or branches til they mature. Cacao trees are stunning when happy, with bright crimson-pink new growth and large glossy leaves. Even when protected, they can look beat up in the wintertime, but if kept warm the fruit will continue to develop.
Cacao pods have a hard outer shell. When cracked open this reveals a cluster of white, fleshy fruit, inside of which is the cacao bean or seed. The bean is what’s processed and used to make chocolate– it’s bitter to taste, full of antioxidants and flavonoids. The white flesh around the seed has a completely different flavor, tropical and fruity, reminding us somewhat of a mix of sugar apple and banana. All that said, if you’re daring enough to grow the tropical Cacao tree in your yard, you’ll get the chance to make your own homegrown & homemade chocolate– absolutely amazing!
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Size: 12-15 ft tall x 8-12 feet wide
Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade
Cold Hardy: Damage occurs below 50º, requires protection in FL
Harvest Season: Year-round
Watering requirements: Requires irrigation for best production
Food Forest Layer: Understory
