Learn how to create the ideal growing conditions for a Lipstick tree with the Tips to Grow Annatto Achiote to produce vibrant plants.
Follow the simple Tips to Grow Annatto Achiote. With the right conditions and care, you can cultivate a healthy and vibrant Lipstick tree in your own backyard or indoor garden.
Common Names: Annatto, Lipstick Plant, Urucum, Colorau, Achiote, Sindoor plant, Aploppas, Arnotta, Bija, Latkan, Lipstick Tree, Rocou, Rocouyer, Roucou
Botanical Names: Bixa Orellana
USDA Zones: 10-12
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What is Annatto?
Bixa Orellana, commonly known as the lipstick plant, is a small tree indigenous to South America. In the Caribbean, the terms annatto and achiote are used interchangeably to describe the tree’s distinct seeds or the plant as a whole.
Annatto Achiote Information
Annatto can grow up to 12 feet (4 m.) tall, boasting a rounded canopy of green leaves as an evergreen. It embellishes your garden with vibrant pink flowers, each comprising five sepals and petals. As the flowers mature, they give way to scarlet, heart-shaped pods with many spikey bristles, resembling chestnut burs.
Upon reaching maturity, the pods burst open, revealing seeds surrounded by a layer of orange pulp. These seeds harbor bixin, a brilliant red carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the tree’s common name. Once used to dye clothing, these seeds are now primarily used as a food coloring agent.
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Propagating Annatto Anchiote
You can propagate the Lipstick trees from seeds or using stem cuttings. Being a tropical plant, it thrives in warm and dry climates and cannot tolerate wet and foggy weather. An average temperature ranging from 89-100°F is ideal for its growth.
- For successful seed germination, sow the seeds in warm conditions either in a greenhouse or under grow lights.
- Use a fast-draining mix, and barely cover the seeds while tamping down the soil.
- Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks.
- After germination, grow the seedlings in gallon pots for a minimum of one year before moving them outdoors or to other pots.
Tips to Grow Annatto Achiote
Location
Choose a full-sun location for planting seeds or seedlings of Annatto Anchiote.
For optimal flower and fruit production, ensure that the plant receives sunlight for most of the day, at least 5-6 hours. Avoid selecting a shaded location, as it can impede the plant’s growth, leading to fewer or no flowers.
Soil
Use organic, rich, well-draining soil for growing Annatto Anchiote.
Water
Keep the soil moist with regular watering.
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Annatto Anchiote Tree Care
Fertilizer
When planting Annatto Anchiote, incorporate compost into the growing medium to eliminate the need for additional feeding. However, if you want to enhance the plant’s growth, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half its potency, once a month.
Pests and Diseases
To keep pests at bay, remove any dead, infected, or damaged plant parts. In the case of an insect or pest attack, utilize Neem, Eucalyptus, or Citrus oil as a primary treatment by spraying the affected areas.
However, be cautious not to overwater the plant, as it may lead to fungal infections. Also, avoid wetting the flowers and leaves.
Harvesting and Storing Annatto Seeds
To collect ripening seeds, cover or enclose the seed heads with a bag or a container in order to collect the ripening seeds as they fall off or are easily collected from the bag. Leave the seed heads to dry on the plants, and then collect the seeds once they are fully dried.
Store the seeds, whether whole or ground, in a cool and dry location.
Landscaping with Annatto Anchiote
These plants flourish as individual specimens, but they can also be planted in groupings or hedges.
Annatto Uses
- Annatto is a popular natural food coloring that imparts a vibrant color ranging from yellow to deep orange-red, similar to that of saffron and turmeric.
- It is also commonly used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of dishes, thanks to its slightly sweet and peppery taste. It has a distinctive aroma that is nutty, peppery, and floral.
- In the past, annatto was utilized for a variety of purposes, including body painting, sunscreen, and as an insect repellant.
- Annatto is used to treat various ailments, such as heartburn, diarrhea, ulcers, and skin issues.
- However, today, it is primarily used for its ability to add color and flavor to food.
Benefits of Annatto
Annatto is a natural plant-based substance that has been associated with various potential health advantages, including promoting healthy eyesight, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, annatto may possess antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable ingredient in maintaining overall wellness.
NOTE: Overall, annatto is considered safe for the majority of individuals. However, there is limited information available regarding its safety for certain populations, and therefore, caution should be exercised in these cases.
