Hello all,
I sent away to the Germplasm Station down in Puerto Rico for some Cocoa seeds to try and grow my own Chocolate. They sent me five different varieties (unfortunately NOT labeled). They actually sent me the entire Cocoa bean pod, that is how I know they were all different. I planted some 130 beans and I think they ALL came up!
Anyway, I was thinking maybe I could work out a trade or two. If you would like to try to grow some of your own Chocolate, let me know. I would love to do some trading and I will give you a REAL good deal. I have a wish list, so if you happen to have these that would be great! I have a pretty extensive already growing list, so if I turn down a trade please don't feel offended. I will consider any and all offers though, so try me.

My wish is is:
JUANITA TANGERINE
CHINOTTO SOUR ORANGE
NASNARAN MANDARIN
RUSK CITRANGE
SEVILLE SOUR ORANGE
NIPPON ORANGEQUAT
YUZVANGE
VARIEGATED BUDDHAS HAND (Mine didn't make it Laaz)

There is other things on my wish list but most are SOOO off the wall odd, I have little chance of getting them.
I don't care what size they are that you offer, as long as they are rooted. I might (??) try some budwood, but my grafting skills still seem to be a bit rusty. I think I have actually gotten one to take recently, I am not going to mention what though, it will jinx it.
Thanks in advance for any and all offers.
Darren

Darren come on over & we can graft a few things.

Thanks Laaz,
I will touch base with you and we can work out a date and time.
Darren

Hello Darren,
I have none of those listed of course, but I do have some Clem Yuzu 3-3 10 degree tangerine seedlings -about 2 yrs old. Forgive me - whoever gave me the seeds, but I think they were from Ned or Stan (?). I usually mark on label who gave me the seeds or plant.
Also, the cactus are doing great, but the label wore off on the one I call "Ferrocious" - cuz it looks that way & the name sounds like that. Right now I call it 'Darrens Ferrocious'. What is the real name of it so I can re-label it. Thanks.

Hey Patty,
Does the Cactus in question have a giant hook in the middle of a bunch of shorter straight spines?
If it does, it is the Ferocactus peninsulae.
Does that sound familiar?
If not, post a picture and I will know for sure then.
I have the Clem-yuz 3-3 also. Looking forward to that one fruiting.
Are you planning on coming to the Citrus Expo this year in Georgia?
Later,
Darren

That sounds right Darren! It has one long hooked thorn and 5 strait ones around it. The newer growth has crimson thorns. I will put new label on it.
That is the MEANEST looking cactus I ever saw! It grew about twice as big now...can't wait for flowers.
Got any room for a red and/or yellow Dragon fruit? Prickly pear cactus?
Anyway, congrats on being a Master Gardener!!!
Come to think of it, I don't think I have room for any more plants LOL.
No, won't make it to the expo this year. Too busy & no money.
You take care.

Congrats Darren on becoming a Master Gardener! I've enjoyed cacao plants tremendously. They have been an easy plant for me to grow with the exception of protection from strong winds that easily damage the new growth and the need for constant soil moisture. Definitely a greenhouse or indoor plant in my experience. This year one of mine has rewarded me with some blooms. I'm hoping for some fruit set.

Thank You! I have really enjoyed the Master Gardener program so far. I even have my own monthly Citrus column in our newsletter.
Patty,
I understand about no room. Though, I do seem to find room every time a new plant comes to live here!
I actually have a couple of Dragon fruit plants, I will be glad when they finally decide to set some fruit. A shame you can't make it to the Expo.
Gaylord,
I hope you do get some fruit set! How old is your Cocoa plant? How tall?
Are you planning on coming to the expo?
Later,
Darren

My plant is about 3 years old from seed and stands about 4 feet tall and about as wide. It stays in a shady corner of my greenhouse and seems very happy.
I'd love to go to the expo but it's not likely since I used my trip money for this year in Miami.