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Real Chocolate Tree (theobroma cacao)

Grow your own Chocolate at home! A small, tropical evergreen, up to 25 feet, with thick, oblong-oval, leaves. In a 24” container, kept trimmed to 6' this tree often produces 5 to 10 pods annually. The cacao “beans” are produced in large, angular orange-ish capsules, up to a foot long and 4 inches diameter. The capsule rind is thick, hard and leathery. The capsules grow along the trunk and main branches. The beans, or seeds, about an inch across, range from 20 to 40 per capsule, and are embedded in an acid, fleshy pulp. After removal from the capsule, the beans are washed or fermented to remove the mucilaginous pulp. Chocolate is the sweetened or unsweetened product of the roasted and ground beans, with most of the fat retained.

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You'll love this tree.

ABOUT THIS FRUITING TROPICAL
Real Chocolate Tree (theobroma cacao) – Grow your own Chocolate at home! A small, tropical evergreen, up to 25 feet, with thick, oblong-oval, leaves. In a 24” container, kept trimmed to 6′ this tree often produces 5 to 10 pods annually. The cacao “beans” are produced in large, angular orange-ish capsules, up to a foot long and 4 inches diameter. The capsule rind is thick, hard and leathery. The capsules grow along the trunk and main branches. The beans, or seeds, about an inch across, range from 20 to 40 per capsule, and are embedded in an acid, fleshy pulp. After removal from the capsule, the beans are washed or fermented to remove the mucilaginous pulp. Chocolate is the sweetened or unsweetened product of the roasted and ground beans, with most of the fat retained.
The growth rate of Real Chocolate will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.

QUICK SPECS
OUTDOOR

Zone 10a-11
PATIO

Zone 4a-11
SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
% SUN
80-100%
POT SIZE
2x2x7″ Deep
INCLUDES
1 Tree

TROPICAL TREE CARE
Tropical trees grow happily while flowering and fruiting in a pot or in-ground. They will add an edible accent to your outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized tree can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
When you receive your new tree, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water and moving it to a shady location, simply keep moist. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new tropical tree.

CONTAINER SIZE
All tropical fruiting varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best in 12″ to 16″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 16″ to 30″ diameter, 14 ” deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your tree will be. When the tree becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.

SOIL
Real Chocolate Trees enjoy a well drained, general potting mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils.

FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Real Chocolate Tree, fertilize sparingly ten inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.

GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10a-11, find your zone here. This tree requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Real Chocolate Trees should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted tree will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.

BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
At the nursery these trees are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this tree in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.

WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Real Chocolate Trees for sale will vary in size. In the spring, trees are often smaller than trees shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep plugs are 7 or 9 inches deep and 2 or 2.5 inches in width. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper roots and faster growth, they are designated with a sku ending in -7 or -9. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. For more information, click the “best packaging” link at the bottom of this page.
Note:

Before leaving, plants are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.

You may want to order your Real Chocolate Tree (theobroma cacao) online now while they are in stock, supplies are limited.

Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11b
Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 36 × 4 × 4 in

Shipping Info.

SHIPPING & HANDLING RATES AND INFO.
All sales are now final as we are unable to accept returns/exchanges. At the current time we only ship to the lower 48 states. We do NOT ship to AK, HI, PR or internationally. Orders placed from these areas will be refunded and cancelled. Orders placed from the western regions in the US can have an extended delivery time up to 9 days, we strongly recommend orders be placed in early spring or late fall to avoid hot summer temps. In these regions you are accepting full responsibility for the shipment and understand the risks involved due to distance and temperatures. Western shipments are not guaranteed in the months of June-September.

**Please understand, we are unable to constantly monitor the temperatures across the entire United States. If you know the temperatures in your area are not conducive to shipping plants enclosed in a box from Florida to your location, please wait until temperatures are more favorable. We do not guarantee plants due to extreme temperatures during shipping.

Local UPS Ground Shipping to: Florida and Georgia.
Items Ordered Flat Rate
1 $19.84
Plus $2.50 per additional item.
Example Total
1 Item $19.84
5 Items $29.84
10 Items $42.34
 

UPS Ground Shipping to Eastern Regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Items Ordered Flat Rate
1 $22.94
Plus $3.20 per additional item.
Example Total
1 Item $22.94
5 Items $35.74
10 Items $51.74
 

UPS Ground Shipping to Western Regions: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Items Ordered Flat Rate
1 $29.84
Plus $4.65 per additional item.
Example Total
1 Item $29.84
5 Items $48.44
10 Items $71.69

WHAT IF MY PACKAGE IS LOST OR STOLEN?
PLEASE TRACK YOUR PACKAGE!  Once shipped all sales are final, tracking info. is automatically emailed as soon as it becomes available you must trace the shipment to your door, we simply ship the product to the address supplied to us on your invoice, we ARE NOT responsible for lost, stolen or damaged packages once delivered, this includes heat or cold damage when delivered outside. If you have any issues contact UPS, not us. Chances are you will loose all the money spent, so PLEASE TRACK YOUR PACKAGE and have someone there to accept it. Note: shipping delays may occur if we experience a heavier volume of orders.
Orders placed from the western regions can have an extended delivery time up to 8 days, we strongly recommend orders be placed in early spring or late fall to avoid hot summer temps. In these regions you are accepting full responsibility for the shipment, the mortality of the plants ordered and understand the risks involved due to distance and temperatures. Western shipments are not guaranteed in the months of June-September.

HOW ARE PLANTS PACKAGED FOR SHIPMENT?
Wow, like a present!  With our state of the art packaging we can ensure that your new plant arrives in style. Before leaving our growers all plants are inspected, watered and pruned if necessary. Your new plant is bagged to keep the soil moist and to ensure that the soil stays in the pot not loose in the box. Then your plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts, you will be pleased. click here

DO YOU SHIP PLANTS ANY TIME OF THE YEAR?
 Sorry, no we don't.  Most of the plants offered are very tropical and require temperatures above 40º at all times. On occasion some orders may be delayed if the weather conditions in your area warrant that the shipment be held. This helps to ensure the survival of your new plant. During the winter months when we are no longer shipping plants, our growers spend their time researching new species and new growing techniques to provide you with the most unique and superior species of plants available anywhere.

HOW LARGE ARE THE POTS THE PLANTS COME IN?
It varies.   All plants for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Most plants designated with a sku ending in -3, -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 2.75 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep pots are 8 inches deep and 3x3 inches in diameter and 9 inches deep and 4x4 inches in diameter. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -t3 or -t4 respectively. Our new landscape plugs come in 3 sizes, 5" deep x 2.5" round, 7" deep x 2" round and 9" deep x 2.5" round and are designated with a -5, -7 or -9 respectively. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship.  click here

ARE SHIPPING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
 No. Sorry,  At the present the only shipping option available is UPS Ground ®. UPS ® has proven themselves in the industry and have become the carrier of choice for our family of growers. With reasonable rates, careful handling and on time service you can be sure that your shipment will arrive ready to be enjoyed. Note: The shipping, flat rate charges include the cost of handling, trimming, prepping, watering, bagging, boxing, packaging, etc. You pay nothing more.

HOW CAN I ESTIMATE THE ARRIVAL DATE?
 To ensure proper delivery  most orders will take 1 - 3 weeks. The delivery time can vary depending on the work load, seasonal holidays and your location. You will automatically be notified by email with tracking information when your order ships, allowing you to trace the shipment to its destination. Rest easy knowing that your plant will not ship until it is inspected, watered, bagged and properly packaged.

WILL ALL OF MY PACKAGES BE SHIPPED BY UPS?
 Yes.  We not only trust UPS® with our plants. They are the exclusive shipper of our growers when it comes to plants, pots and accessories.

CAN ORDERS BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE US?
 Presently we only ship inside the lower 48 states.  With the current USDA regulations regarding shipment of live plants, our family of growers are restricted to and governed by the guidelines for certification within the lower 48 states only. Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and internationally will not be accepted.

CAN I CHANGE A SHIPPING ADDRESS ONCE I'VE PLACED AN ORDER?
 We're sorry.  Shipping information can only be changed if you email our customer service immediately after your order has been submitted. We process orders very quickly, and once an order begins the fulfillment process we're unable to modify it. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we hope that in the majority of cases our faster processing times work to your advantage. If you have questions about your order, please contact us via email. click here

WILL MY PLANT SURVIVE IF IT ARRIVES WITH BROWN OR DAMAGED LEAVES?
 Your, plant should be fine.  Occasionally transit damage will occur. If your plant arrives a bit shaken and stressed, simply follow your plants "Care & Culture" instructions and it should return to its full beauty and luster with in a few weeks. Note: We do not warrant bent or broken leaves, it is only natural that some minor damage will occur. Certain plant varieties do not like to be shipped and can loose some or all of their leaves during transit, this is common and the plant is not dead, it is simply in shock and should bud within 30 days or so.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY SHIPMENT ARRIVES CRUSHED OR DAMAGED?
 It depends on the extent of the damage.  If your shipment arrives and the box is severely crushed or damaged, you can either refuse the shipment or place a "Claim" directly with UPS Ground for loss or damage at UPS.com. However, in doing this you must realize that if you have ordered an item that is in short supply or high demand, we can not guarantee a replacement.

WHAT DO I DO IF I DO NOT RECEIVE MY ENTIRE ORDER?
 Read your packing slip.  First, read your packing slip to be sure that everything you ordered has been shipped. Second, If you only receive a partial shipment don't worry. There is no need to panic. If your entire shipment does not arrive within 4 weeks from the time you placed your order, please e-mail us with your order number and name so we can trace the missing item(s) and promptly correct the situation. click here

CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER?   Sure, but you must do it quickly.   Orders canceled after the UPS tracking information has been sent will be charged a 40% restocking fee, this also applies to orders canceled while in transit and orders refused at time of delivery. Understand at that point your plants have been pulled from various greenhouses, tagged, cleaned, bagged, watered, wrapped, bagged again, packaged with p-nuts, paperwork, box, tape and state permits. If for any reason you need to cancel an order it must be done ASAP for a full refund.

WHAT IS YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
 Sorry,  There is no available telephone number. Our team members are always in the field maintaining the foliage. Email is the most efficient way to answer questions and concerns. click here

MY ORDER JUST ARRIVED, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO THE PLANTS?
 Immediately unpack your plants very carefully, most damage occurs in the hurried attempt to see the new plants.  When your plants arrive you will need to water them if necessary.

WHAT PLANTS ARE SAFE FOR KIDS AND PETS?
 You will have to do your research.  We make absolutely no claims as to plant safety, of any plant whatsoever. If in question, please do your homework prior to ordering. For your pets you may want to visit the ASPCA. Please read our Terms of Service and Return Policies prior to purchasing.