Coffee — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Coffea arabica |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–60 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–1825 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 182.9–304.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 182.9–457.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 121.9–243.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–11 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) soil in partial shade — coffee is an attractive, glossy-leaved tropical shrub or small tree native to the forest understory of Ethiopia, grown worldwide in tropical highlands for the seeds (coffee beans) contained inside the red or yellow 'cherry' fruits, which ripen 9–12 months after the heavily fragrant white flowers bloom. As an ornamental plant it is outstandingly handsome: the dark green, glossy, waxy leaves are beautiful year-round; the clusters of jasmine-scented white flowers in spring are intensely fragrant; and the red coffee cherries are decorative and visually striking in fall and winter. Coffee is a genuine shade plant, preferring filtered light under taller trees rather than full sun, which scorches the leaves and stresses the plant in warm climates. In zone 10–11 it can be grown outdoors permanently; in cooler zones it is a remarkable large container plant for bright indoor spaces or protected outdoor areas in summer.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0