cocoa

Discussion in 'Planting, growing, nurturing Plants' started by colours, Jun 8, 2008.

  1. colours

    colours Junior Member

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    After spending over $4 on no frills cocoa today I pledged to research growing my own. Went to Wikipedia which said that cocoa will only grow in a limited zone about 20° from each side of the equator. Has anyone had any experience with growing it? I use cocoa a fair bit in cooking and was even more keen on it after I read about the health benefits in wikipedia.
     
  2. paradisi

    paradisi Junior Member

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    Re: cocoa

    where are you?

    I've grown theobroma cacao on the sunshine coast in Australia - 100km norht of brisbane - - it lived for 2 years - - but was obviously struggling. the plant ended up dead after a severe rain storm - the place got flooded for four days or so

    give it a go and see what happens

    or try carob as a replacement
     
  3. Paul Kean -Ringo-

    Paul Kean -Ringo- Junior Member

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    Re: cocoa

    Hi there,

    I worked on a sustainable cocoa agroforestry project in Vietnam a couple of years ago.Try checking the Forestry Science Institute Vietnam for research findings.Cocoa thrives in certain hot spots around the globe and Vietnam is one of those places.It requires 70% shade and tropical humid conditions as in Vietnam.
    Moving to Vietnam would be worth consideration if you are that fond of cocoa.Try contacting Darren Doherty (https://www.permaculture.biz) he may also be able to advise you.

    Ringo
     
  4. colours

    colours Junior Member

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    Re: cocoa

    thanks Ringo, might have problems with the visa situation if my claim was that I couldn't justify living in Aust with the current price of cocoa!
     
  5. christopher

    christopher Junior Member

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    Re: cocoa

    Hi Colours,

    We grow cacao here in Belize. I worked for 7 years for a small chocolate company. We are at 16 degrees north in Belize. Where are you?

    Christopher
     

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