Remove the pulp and sow seeds one per polybag right after extraction, in a mix of 2 parts red soil, 1 part sand and 1 part FYM (with 5 kg superphosphate per tonne). Seedlings are ready at 6 months (about 60 cm). Plant with the earth ball in 45 cm pits at 3 x 3 m, stake, mulch, water and give temporary shade (about 50% shade at first, 40% later; banana works well as early shade). As an intercrop: one row between coconut rows (about 500 plants/ha), between arecanut rows (about 686/ha), or five plants between four oil palms (about 400/ha).
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cocoa – Seeds and sowing; planting; time and method of planting, pp. 203–204
