Cacao

Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae

Zones

10b–13b

Layer

Understory

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Producer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (optimal)

Water

High

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Habanero PepperCapsicum chinense Habanero

Pest DeterrentShade Provision

White MulberryMorus alba

Shade ProvisionWind Protection

Empress TreePaulownia tomentosa

Shade ProvisionNitrogen Fixation

Japanese WisteriaWisteria floribunda

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

Sweet PotatoIpomoea batatas

Shade Provision

Valencia OrangeCitrus sinensis Valencia

Pollinator Sharing

Meyer LemonCitrus limon Meyer

Shade ProvisionNurse Plant

Tabasco PepperCapsicum frutescens

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

GuavaPsidium guajava

Guava may compete with cacao for light and potentially exhibit allelopathic effects

OrangeCitrus sinensis

Both trees compete for similar light conditions in tropical settings

Blue Passion FlowerPassiflora caerulea

Blue passion flower vines can compete with cacao for light and growing space

Uses

Functions

Food

Edible Parts

Seeds

Common Questions

What zones does Cacao grow in?

Cacao grows in USDA hardiness zones 10b through 13b.

What are good companion plants for Cacao?

Good companions for Cacao include Habanero Pepper, White Mulberry, Empress Tree, Japanese Wisteria, Sweet Potato.

Design guilds with Cacao and see companion relationships visually.

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