Building a Successful Cacao Nursery Operation

A well-managed nursery operation creates foundation for farm success and potential additional revenue. Key elements include selecting disease-free parent trees with desirable characteristics, proper grafting techniques to preserve genetics, and optimal growing medium formulations. Nurseries should maintain shade levels of 50-70% for young plants and implement proper watering systems. Beyond supplying your own farm, selling high-quality seedlings to neighboring producers can generate $2-5 per plant in additional income. The knowledge gained through nursery management also improves your understanding of plant genetics and selection, continuously improving your plantation’s productivity.