Forastero Cacao Chocolate Tree

The Forastero Cacao is the robust, hearty cacao that forms the backbone of most chocolate blends, producing full-bodied cocoa beans with a strong, earthy flavor. Compact and container-friendly, it reaches about 8 feet potted and lets you grow, harvest, and make your own chocolate at home.

At a glance

• Variety: Forastero cacao
• Beans: Hearty, full-bodied, strong and earthy
• Mature size: About 8 feet when potted
• Height on arrival: 2 to 3 feet, container included
• Light: Full to partial sunlight
• Growing zones: 4 to 11 in containers; 9 to 11 outdoors
• Container: 2-gallon with triple-layer protection

Best for

• Indoor and container growing
• Home chocolate-making
• Cocoa powder and cocoa butter
• Beginner and experienced gardeners
• Edible and novelty plantings

How to grow

Grow in full to partial sunlight. It is suited to zones 4 to 11 when grown in containers and zones 9 to 11 outdoors, reaching about 8 feet when potted. It arrives in a 2-gallon container of nutrient-rich soil with triple-layer protection.

Flavor profile

Strong, earthy, and full-bodied, the beans are the backbone of most chocolate blends and can be made into cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and chocolate.

About Everglades Farm

Everglades Farm is a Florida nursery growing edible plants, fruiting trees, and rare garden showpieces, shipped directly from the nursery to your door.