Cacao is a high-value crop with a long tradition in many continents. Its success in the field relies heavily on a good start in the nursery, particularly the development of a strong, healthy, and undistorted root system. An excellent alternative to achieve this is the use of Jiffy Pellets, an efficient, clean, and sustainable solution.
Why choose Jiffy Pellets for Cacao?
Cacao has a deep taproot system. Using pellets helps develop active and well-formed roots, improving plant anchorage and health. It also facilitates nursery management, eliminates the need for plastic bags, and optimizes the transplant process.
Designing the ideal nursery
A good structure is key to maximizing the benefits of the pellets. A system of elevated tables is recommended, allowing a technique known as air-pruning, where the main root stops growing when exposed to light and air.
Tips for Nursery Structure:
- Tables at 50–70 cm in height.
- One tray per table, with 4 rows of plants.
- 70% shade cloth at 2–2.5 m height.
- In high rainfall areas, it's recommended to add a plastic cover to protect the substrate.
Hydration: the first key step
Use peat pellets 50 x 190 mm, available in boxes of 128 or 162 units. Hydrate them in a pool about 10 cm deep, with the planting hole facing up. Expansion takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on water temperature.
Practical tip: A well-hydrated pellet should not have hard spots to the touch. Once ready, place them on the tables and avoid moving them until transplant.
Efficient, error-free sowing
To improve germination rates, use pre-germinated seeds in newspaper. Seed so that half the seed is covered, allowing proper cotyledon opening.
Avoid planting too deep, as this can inhibit the plant's initial development.
Watering: not too much, not too little
Proper watering is vital. The pellet should be kept moist but not saturated, to retain oxygen. How do you know when to water?
With this simple formula:
PLW = ((WHW - DWP) × 0.65) + DWP
Where:
- PLW = irrigation threshold weight
- WHW = weight of the hydrated pellet
- DWP = weight of the dry pellet
💡 Ideal weight per pellet: between 170 and 180 grams
Training staff to recognize moisture levels by touch is a useful practice that complements the formula.
Transplant: when the plant is ready
Ideally, schedule the transplant during the rainy season to reduce water stress. Analyze the soil beforehand to adjust the nutritional plan.
Recommendations:
- In loose soils: hole of 15 x 15 x 25 cm
- In heavy soils: hole of 30 x 30 x 30 cm
- Prepare in advance and apply lime if necessary to correct acidity
- Start field fertilization with a focus on phosphorus to strengthen roots
Real advantages with Jiffy Pellets
- Natural, undistorted root development
- More uniform and healthier plants
- Easier management in nursery
- Elimination of plastic bag use
- Cleaner, faster, and more sustainable propagation
Ready to improve your Cacao nursery?
With Jiffy Pellets, give your plants the best possible start, taking care of their roots and making your work easier from day one.
Watch our step-by-step video to see our Pellets for Cacoa production in action.
Let’s work together
Jiffy is a leading global supplier of premium growing media and solution thinking. We aim to serve you, our customers, in plant propagation and cultivation, to achieve better results with fewer worries. We do this by continually improving, innovating, and working toward our common goals, based on scientific research, teamwork, and decades of experience. Let’s develop sustainable plant growing solutions together: Let’s start today!