Annatto
Bixa orellana · Bixaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around annatto and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Atole, Annatto
- Family
- Bixaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m in height
- Hardiness
- Tropical, fears cold (0 °C)
- Origin
- Amazonia (Peru, Brazil)
Care
Light exposure
Your atole needs a sunny to very bright exposure to flower regularly and produce fruit. In tropical or subtropical climates, direct morning sunlight is ideal. In a greenhouse, position it near a south or west-facing window.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and fruiting, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Slightly reduce watering during the dry season. Drainage must be excellent to prevent root rot.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-draining and slightly acidic soil. A mixture of horticultural compost, mature compost and coarse sand promotes growth. Atole tolerates fertile soils and develops its root structure well in loose substrate.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK 8-8-8 or similar) monthly during the growth and flowering period. Supplement with well-decomposed compost in spring to regularly enrich the soil.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to balance branching and maintain a compact shape. Remove dead or diseased wood. With young plants, use soft staking to encourage a well-formed habit.
Diseases and pests
Atole can be affected by mealybugs and spider mites in dry air. Spray with clear water if present. Avoid stagnant humidity to prevent fungal issues. Inspect foliage regularly.
Did you know?
Atole is famous for its seeds covered with orange-red pulp rich in bixin, a natural pigment used for centuries by Amazonian peoples and traditionally employed as a food and cosmetic dye. This tree remains an important economic resource in tropical America for annatto production, a natural E160b colorant authorized in the global food industry.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.