Grow your own chocolate! We offer several unique varieties of Theobroma cacao, the tropical tree whose seeds are used to make chocolate.

Choose from Criollo, Trinitario, or Nacional cacao. Each has its own history, characteristics, and chocolate flavor potential.

Criollo – A rare and historically prized fine-flavor cacao known for delicate, complex chocolate characteristics and generally lower bitterness.

Trinitario – A cacao with Criollo and Forastero heritage, valued for combining excellent flavor potential with good vigor and productivity.

Nacional – A historic South American cacao strongly associated with Ecuador and prized for its aromatic fine-flavor potential, including floral, fruity, and nutty notes.

About Our Cacao Plants

All are Theobroma cacao and have the same basic growing requirements. Our cacao plants are seed-grown in tall 3" × 8" deep nursery pots.

Cacao prefers warm, humid tropical conditions, rich well-draining soil, regular moisture, and bright filtered light or partial shade, especially while young. Protect cacao plants from cold temperatures and harsh direct sunlight until properly acclimated.

Choose Your Variety

Criollo • Trinitario • Nacional

Each variety offers something different for the tropical fruit collector, cacao enthusiast, or home chocolate maker.

Important: Our plants are grown from seed. Individual seedlings naturally vary, and their eventual growth, pods, productivity, and chocolate characteristics may differ.

Pepe's Fruit Trees – Davie, Florida

Each order includes healthy Cacao starter plants grown in large 3.5" x 8" deep nursery pots, approximately 6–9 inches tall from soil level. These are much bigger and stronger than the tiny cacao seedlings commonly offered by many sellers.

Cacao is prized for producing fine-flavor chocolate. Flavor varies from tree to tree, but these cacao plants can produce rich chocolate flavors with fruity, floral, nutty, and other complex aromatic notes.

Important Growing Timeline: These are seedling trees. Under good tropical growing conditions, they may begin flowering in approximately 2–3 years, with cacao pods potentially developing in approximately 3–4 years. Growing conditions, climate, nutrition, pollination, and individual seedling genetics can affect the actual time to fruit.

ATTENTION: Do not order if your area is experiencing temperatures below 50°F. Cacao is a tropical plant and can be damaged by cold temperatures. We are not responsible for cold damage during shipping.

Florida orders include USPS Priority Shipping with an average delivery time of approximately 3 days.

Our starter plants are grown in deep nursery pots rather than tiny seedling cells. More plant and a larger root system for your money!

PLEASE NOTE: Plants may be shipped without the nursery pot. When necessary, the soil and root system will be carefully wrapped and secured to protect the plant during shipping.

SAVE ON MULTIPLE PLANTS: Select your desired quantity from the drop-down menu to save when purchasing multiple plants.

Growing Cacao Guide

• Light: Full shade for the first 1–2 weeks after arrival, followed by gradual exposure to bright filtered light or partial shade

• Temperature: Approximately 70–85°F is ideal. Protect from temperatures below 50°F

• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and a slightly acidic pH

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cacao appreciates high humidity

• Pollination: Growing multiple genetically different seedlings can help improve opportunities for cross-pollination and fruit set

Pro Tip: Place newly arrived plants in full shade with no direct sunlight for 1–2 weeks while they recover from shipping. Gradually introduce them to brighter filtered light afterward. Avoid suddenly placing a shipped cacao plant in full Florida sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I get cacao pods?
Under favorable conditions, seedlings may begin flowering in approximately 2–3 years, with cacao pods possible in approximately 3–4 years. Actual fruiting time varies with growing conditions and individual seedlings.

Are these grafted cacao trees?
No. These are seed-grown cacao plants. Because they are seedlings, individual plants can vary in growth characteristics, pod appearance, productivity, and flavor.

Can I grow cacao indoors?
Yes. Cacao can be grown as a tropical container plant in a warm, humid, brightly lit environment. Fruiting indoors is considerably more challenging because cacao requires suitable growing conditions and successful pollination.

Do I need more than one tree?
Growing multiple genetically different cacao seedlings is recommended when fruit production is the goal. It can provide additional opportunities for compatible cross-pollination and improved fruit set.

What USDA zones can cacao grow outdoors?
Cacao is best suited to tropical and frost-free climates, generally USDA Zones 10b–11. In colder areas, grow cacao in containers so plants can be protected when temperatures fall.

Are these plants organic?
Our cacao plants are grown using organic growing practices and OMRI-listed products.

You Receive

Cacao Seedling Plants
Approximately 6–9 inches tall from soil level
Grown in 3.5" x 8" deep nursery pots
Seed-grown — not tissue cultured
Florida grown
USPS Priority Shipping included for Florida orders

Grow your own cacao and experience the fascinating process of taking Theobroma cacao from a young tropical tree to beautiful cacao pods — and eventually your own homegrown chocolate!