Hannah asks: I have just planted a small cacao tree. How long before it will produce pods and what time of year do the usually appear and ripen?
Tropical Gardener answer: Cacao trees usually start to flower and fruit within three years of planting. Pod production may start off slowly at first and increase every year. After 10 to 12 years, the tree should reach full production, yielding 20 to 30 pods a year.
Flowers may appear on short stems off the trunk almost year round. Only a few of them will develop into fruit, though. The time from flower to mature cacao pods is about five months, though not all the pods on a tree will ripen at the same time. Once they are ripe they can be left on the tree for three to four weeks before the beans inside begin to germinate.
If you miss the flowering phase and are not sure of ripeness, pod color can be somewhat helpful. Different cacao varieties produce different colored pods so you need to know the variety to be able to use color as your guide. Sound is a much better indicator of ripeness, however. Before the pod is fully ripe, the beans inside are packed tightly. When taping the pod at this stage you will get a firm, solid sound. As the pod ripens the beans become loose inside the pod. A ripe pod will give off a deeper more hollow sound. This sound indicates that the seeds are loose which is a reliable indication of pod ripeness.
Several maintenance issues can help your cacao tree along. Keeping the tree low so that you can harvest without injuring yourself or the tree is advised. Though Chinese rose beetles seem to love cacao leaves when the trees are young, they usually are not a problem on healthy mature trees. If you see shot holes in the leaves you may want to go beetle hunting just after sunset. Mulching your cacao will keep the soil healthy and full of microbial activity. The mulch will also reduce the trees water and fertility needs. You might also want to consider planting a fast growing over story companion for your cacao. In cacao orchards, farmers generally plant glircidia to provide some shade for the trees. Known as “madre de cacao,” this plant produces attractive flowers while sheltering your cacao from hot sun.
Once you start getting pod production, you might want to check online for ways to ferment and roast small batches of seeds to get cacao nibs.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Gardening Events
Monday: “Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers meeting,” 7-9 p.m. at the HTFG office at 81-y6393 Mamalahoa Highway. Authors of “The Lost Crops of Africa,” Paul Noren and Roy Danforth will discuss the fruits of central Africa. All are welcome. Info: Brian Lievens at 895-8753 or greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com.
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden,” 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center. Volunteers will help with garden maintenance and should bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Info: Peter, 323-3318.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Wednesday and Friday: “Hooulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “South Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce.” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu.