Sage Garden Herbs - Chocolate Tree - 4 to 6 foot tall plant

Chocolate Tree - 4 to 6 foot tall plant

CAD $99.95

Currently Available: Pre-Book now for pick up in May, 2012

Description: Chocoholic? This where it all starts! Chocolate comes from yellow pods which grow along the trunk and stems of this plant. Chocolate can definitely thrive - and possibly even fruit - in containers, provided constant warmth and attention to humidity during the winter months. Very rare in the north!

The plants available now are large, well established specimens between 4 and 6 feet tall.

Latin Name: Theobroma cacao
Main Uses: Culinary

Zone Hardiness: Tropical
Exposure: Diffused light outdoors / bright light indoors
Ht: 150 cm. (5 feet) as a houseplant
Flowering Time: Various times through the year, depending on conditions.

Chocolate Tree - 4 to 6 foot tall plant

CAD $99.95

Pruning: Prune growing tips to maintain shape. Avoid cutting deep into old wood.

Harvesting: Chocolate pods are ready to harvest when banana-peel yellow.

Fruiting: Fruting will only occur on plants that are given adequate root space, and after plants are well settled into your growing environment (at least one full year).

Growing in Containers: Very well suited to containers.

Fertilizing (Containers): Add 25% Sea Soil to potting mix at time of transplant, then fertilize with Earth Safe All Purpose or other balanced organic fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Not well suited to in-ground gardens.

Watering (Garden): Not well suited to in-ground gardens.

Chocolate Tree - 4 to 6 foot tall plant

CAD $99.95

Suitability for Indoors: Excellent houseplant for green thumbs - requires a little extra attention to flourish.

Exposure: Brightest available.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are not required, but will keep plants actively growing during the short daylight hours of winter.

General Indoor Care: This variety is happy when grown warm year round. Bring indoors by Labour Day, and choose a location that is bright and never gets below 15 C. Although Chocolate requires diffused light outdoors during the summer, it is best to provide a bright location when growing indoors. If leaves become sun scolded, move away from direct exposure to sun. Avoid heat/air conditioning vents. To improve humidity for your plants, set up a pebble tray; this is simply a layer of rocks set on the plant's saucer (not in the pot, but below it!). Any water that runs through the drainage holes is captured among the rocks and evaporates up around the plants. Rinse plants under fast flowing fresh water every few weeks to remove dust and significantly reduce the chance of pest problems.

Indoor Container Suggestions: Minimum deep 12" pot with excellent drainage. The ultimate size of this variety is very much influenced by the size of container you choose. However, pot up in increments of 2".

Winter Fertilizing: Repot or refresh soil in fall, when bringing pots indoors. Add up to 25% quality compost. No additional fertilizing is required between October and January. As light levels go up, and new growth emerges, start fertilizing monthly, using a balanced organic plant food. If growing under lights, fertilize bi-weekly right through winter. Non-organic fertilizers are not recommended, as these can cause burning or difficult-to-manage changes in the soil.

Winter Watering: Water deeply when top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Check soil moisture at least once per week. As daylight hours increase, watering requirements will also increase.

Special Instructions: During the transition from summer to winter - especially where plants move from outdoors in - Chocolate plants can experience some stress. A common symptom of this stress is a certain amount of leaf drop. Don't worry if this occurs, new growth will follow shortly. Pay attention to not over water during this period - only water as the top inch of soil dries out. It is a great idea to mist/spritz Chocolate plants during the winter months.

Links to More Information:

Tropical Spice & Fruiting Plants

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