Homegrown Coffee – It's Possible!

Many exotic plants have numerous enthusiasts here, and the beautiful coffee plant is certainly one of them. While there are sensitive varieties that struggle with cool temperatures above freezing, there are also more robust species that are worth trying even in our climate. Nonetheless, your Coffea arabica plants should be placed in a bright spot indoors during the winter to ensure long-lasting enjoyment.

If you want to grow coffee plants from seeds, try to get as fresh raw beans as possible. Maybe a friend has a plant with ripe berries, or you can buy fresh seeds from a specialist store. Place one bean, without the berry and silver shell, about 1 cm deep in a small pot with seedling soil.

If you have the opportunity to take cuttings from the top of the plant, you can also use these to propagate your own coffee plants. Place the pots in a sheltered and bright spot where the temperatures do not drop below 20°C. Coffea arabica loves to be in a bright to sunny location and thrives best at temperatures between 20-25°C. Keep the plants moist, but be sure to avoid waterlogging in the pot, and instead, regularly mist the plants.

In the summer, your real coffee plants make their grand debut in the garden. Although you should gradually acclimate the plants to direct sunlight, they will be very happy to stay outside throughout the summer. The interplay of sun, rain, and wind strengthens them and makes them more resistant to diseases. However, always make sure that the temperatures do not fall below 10°C. If necessary, bring the plants inside or place them in a sheltered location.

The soil for your coffee plant should always be slightly acidic and only lightly fertilized to keep the plants healthy. After about 4 years, you can expect the first flowers. It will then take another 9 months until the first berries turn red and are ready for harvest.