Cacao
Theobroma cacao
Family: Malvaceae
Cacao grows in partial shade and prefers rich moist acidic soil. Water needs: High.
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Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
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How to Grow Cacao
Cacao growing information includes sunlight requirements of Partial shade, soil conditions listed as Rich moist acidic soil with a soil pH of 5.0-6.5, and High water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 10-12. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Cacao as 7-21 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 3-5 years.
Plant Overview
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is listed in the Malvaceae family and categorized as a tree with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-2330
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Plant type
- Tree
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Cacao is listed for partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as high. The database soil reference is Rich moist acidic soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.0-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 10-12.
- Hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil
- Rich moist acidic soil
- Soil pH
- 5.0-6.5
- Water needs
- High
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 7-21 days and the seed depth is 1 inch. The listed time to maturity is 3-5 years. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 7-21 days
- Seed depth
- 1 inch
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 3-5 years
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.