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Re: THEOBROMA CACAO

Hi Miekal,

General R.O.T (Rule Of Thumb) for Tropicals is that they do not tolerate
desiccation nor cold storage very well.  Especially true for oily type
seeds which Theobroma cacao is one.

Plant Propagation (Hartmann, Kester and Davies) notes that "Cacao seeds
quickly deteriorate after harvesting, normally losing all capacity to
germinate within a week after removal from the pod.  Prevention of drying
plus storage at 75 to 85 deg F prolongs seed life."

If you have not allowed the seed to dry out, I would suggest immediately
potting it in a loose acidic organic mix, and keep moist,(plastic wrap over
soil), and where you can maintain 80 deg F soil temperature.

I have had good luck creating these conditions by placing pots on an
overturned flat in an old aquarium covered with a sheet of glass.  One or
two shop light fixtures placed lengthwise along the long axis of the tank
and left operating 24 hours a day will keep it nearly 80deg F in my house
which runs 65F nights, 69F days.  I keep water in the bottom of the tank
below the level of the pots.  If you need to get it warmer put an
inexpensive aquarium heater in a gallon glass jar kept filled with water..

Works well to root many tropicals also. 

Good Luck!

Scott

..........................................................
Scott Gregory Vergara		
Botanical Resources
Burley, Washington  98322-0669   USA
USDA Zone 8 Ave Min Temp 10-20 deg F. Record low 0/hi 104 
svergara@pacific.telebyte.com



----------
> From: Miekal And <dtv@mwt.net>
> To: seeds-list@eskimo.com
> Subject: THEOBROMA CACAO 
> Date: Saturday, January 04, 1997 8:03 AM
> 
> A friend recently gave me a THEOBROMA CACAO YELLOW POD & Im wondering
> what the best way to proceed with getting it germinated is.  I live in
> Wisconsin & have gas heat in my house & it tends to be somewhat dry &
> drafty.  Am I best to save the pod until summer & try to get it going in
> an outdoor greenhouse, or could I germinate it under lights now?
> 
> Miekal And
> -- 
> @#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#
> Dreamtime Village website: http://net22.com/dreamtime
> QAZINGULAZA: And/Was/Wakest website:
> http://net22.com/qazingulaza
> e-mail for DT & And/Was: dtv@mwt.net
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