Yellow Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Mature and Ready to Produce!
Yellow cacao is the plant world’s golden ticket: Its cultivation famously dates back at least 4,000 years ago, when the indigenous people in Mesoamerica harvested it for use in ceremonies, medicine, and cooking. Today, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not believe in the godly powers of Theobroma cacao, even though they may not recognize it as such. Cacao crops are cultivated on a global level to produce the world’s cocoa supply.
Yellow cacao is just one variety of Theobroma cacao that produces uniquely golden fruits. Cacao plants won’t be too fussed if your intentions for its fruit are sacred or sacrilegious, but it does have a few care preferences. Cacao will feel at home in an environment most like tropical rainforests. Long summers and pampered days of tropical-level humidity will get Theobroma cacao to produce fruit prolifically. Embrace the peculiarities of the cacao plant, and prepare to yield success as a powerful shaman, or artisan chocolatier.
What growers are saying
Important Shipping Information
Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States and Canada with 100% plastic-free biodegradable and compostable shipping materials. Plants ship ready-to-grow in 4" coconut coir pots or 1-3 gal plantable pots.
Shipping & Handing Cost
Shipping will be calculated at checkout and varies based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple plants. The more you grow, the more you save! Live locally and want to save on shipping? See our Local Pickup option below.
Order Processing & Shipping Schedule
Orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Tuesday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Average order processing time before shipment averages from 1-14 days.
Shipping Confirmation & Delivery Confirmation
We will automatically send you a Shipping Confirmation Email with tracking information when your order's shipping label or labels are created and your order is processed. We will also automatically send you a Delivery Confirmation Email the moment your order is delivered so you know exactly when to go out and collect it!
Tracking Your Order
You can track the progress of your order online and sign up for step-by-step tracking alters via your Order Status Page, USPS Tracking Page, or the Arrive App.
A link to your Order Status page is automatically sent to you in your Order Confirmation email. You can also track your order via the USPS tracking page (a link to that is sent in your shipping confirmation email). Another way to track your order status is with the Arrive App, which can be downloaded on your Order Status Page.
Heat Packs & Cold Weather Holds
Heat Packs
Heat Packs can be purchased separately and are necessary for orders shipping to cold climates under 32 degrees. Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack.
Weather Holds
If you prefer not to ship your order with a Heat Pack and would like to request a custom winter weather hold until your preferred arrival date, please email shipping@sowexotic.com.
Local Pickup at the Nursery
Both Nationwide Shipping and Nursery Pickup options are available at checkout. Choose the day/time for your pickup at checkout. We're offering curbside pickup at the nursery entrance. Orders that choose Nursery Pickup but really need Nationwide Shipping will be invoiced upon request for the shipping cost + a $15 fine. Visit our Local Pickup page to learn more.
Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico
Plants ship bare root to Hawaii & Puerto Rico. Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of plants that don't make the cut. Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico include: Coffee, Palm, and Banana plants. Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii include: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, and Passion Fruit plants.