How do I plant cocoa (cacao) and how soon does it start giving pods?

Plant good hybrid or clonal cocoa seedlings or grafts at the start of the monsoon in well prepared pits in the shaded space of your arecanut or coconut garden, with organic matter added. Keep them moist and protected from harsh sun while young. Cocoa is relatively quick for a perennial, often starting to flower and set a few pods by about the second to third year and coming to good bearing over the following years, far sooner than nuts like cashew or walnut. It then bears more or less round the year with peak flushes. Maintain steady moisture and nutrition for good pod set. Source improved planting material from a cocoa research centre or recognised nursery, and confirm the planting and early care schedule for your garden with the centre or KVK.