Coffee

Plant family

Madder or Coffee family (Rubiaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Plant distance

80 cm

Row spacing

150 cm

Seeding depth

20 cm

Instructions

Description

Originally native to Ethiopia, it grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree and reaches heights of up to 4 m (usually kept smaller in cultivation). Its glossy, dark green leaves and delicate white flowers also make it an attractive houseplant. The red coffee cherries each contain two seeds - the familiar coffee beans. In Central Europe, cultivation is only possible in greenhouses or as a houseplant.

Growing tips

Coffee loves constant conditions: Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C, no draughts, no temperature fluctuations. A warm, bright location all year round is ideal, e.g. a heated conservatory. The plant prefers high humidity (over 60 %) - regular spraying with lime-free water prevents brown leaf edges. Avoid direct midday sun, as this can burn the leaves. Morning sun and bright, indirect light are ideal. Patience is crucial: Coffea arabica usually only begins to flower after 3 to 5 years - and only under ideal conditions. The white, fragrant flowers typically appear in spring or early summer. After flowering, it takes 8-12 months for the ripe coffee cherries to develop. These contain two beans each and are bright red at harvest. To stimulate flowering, a slight dry phase in winter (less watering, cool but not below 15 °C) and then a moist, warm start to spring will help to simulate the dry and rainy periods in the region of origin. Repotting is necessary about every 2 years - proceed with caution, as coffee is sensitive to root disturbance. Regular pruning promotes branching and keeps the plant compact.