Achiote (Annatto)
Bixa orellana • Bixaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Herb / Shrub / Tree / Dye Plant
🌍 Origin Region
Tropical regions of the Americas (Amazon basin, Central America, Mexico, Caribbean)
📅 Days to Maturity
2-3 years from seed to first harvest. Pods are harvested when they turn brown and begin to split. Succession planting is not typical as it is a long-lived perennial.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 10-12. Perennial in tropical/sub-tropical climates. Cannot survive temperatures below 35°F (1.7°C).
About This Seed
The seeds are small (4-5mm), triangular or heart-shaped, and covered in a pulpy, brick-red waxy coating. They are contained within a heart-shaped, bristly, reddish-brown pod that splits open when mature. The plant is a large evergreen shrub or small tree growing 6-30 feet tall with large heart-shaped leaves and pink or white flowers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Year-round in tropical climates; plant in Spring in sub-tropical regions. Does not tolerate frost.
Germination
Takes 7-21 days. Optimal soil temperature is 75-85°F (24-29°C). Seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting to soften the hard seed coat. High humidity is required.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/2 inch deep in well-draining, fertile soil. Spacing should be 10-15 feet apart for mature trees. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours). High water needs, requiring regular moisture but must have well-drained soil to avoid root rot. High humidity is preferred.
Companion Plants
Grows well with tropical fruit trees like Mango or Citrus, and leguminous cover crops. Avoid planting near aggressive, invasive vines that might smother the shrub.
Special Characteristics
Natural food coloring (E160b), cosmetic dye (lipstick tree), medicinal properties, pollinator-friendly (bees), and heat-tolerant. The pulp around the seeds is the source of annatto pigment.