Do you enjoy a daily warm brew of coffee? Would you like to grow you own beans? If you do read on to learn how to grow Arabica Coffee.
Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica) is enjoyed all around the world. Having originated from Ethiopia is can now be found in many other countries. Growing is relatively easy and you’ll be roasting your own coffee beans in no time.
Size: Can grow to 4-5 meters but can be kept a more manageable sized shrub by pruning
Sun: Prefers partial shade or dappled sun, especially in hot and/or windy areas.
Use shade trees and intercropping (e.g., bananas) to improve the microclimate if necessary.
Climate: Prefers warm, humid climates and is sensitive to cold weather – they really don’t like frost
Soil: Well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) rich in organic matter
Propagation Techniques: Coffea arabica can be grown from seed, however growing from cuttings (or grafting) is preferred to get a true to the parent plant and improved disease resistance
When growing from seed first soak the seeds in water for 24 hours then place in soft sandy-loam soil with a light covering of soil. Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) and the seeds will germinate in about 1-2 months. Keep the young plants in partial shade for 6-12 months (or until 20-30 cms tall)
Planting Time: Spring, preferably at the beginning of the rain season. You will need to protect young plants from harsh summer sun (and winter frosts if you experience these in your area)
Spacing: Plant out about 1.5 to 2.5 meters apart
Water Requirements: Coffea arabica likes water – they won’t go too well in dry conditions so if it hasn’t rained for a little bit, give it a nice soaking and be sure to mulch, mulch, mulch. Having enough water is a trigger for flowering – they tend to produce masses of white flowers after rain events during Spring or Summer.
Feeding: Likes compost or well-rotted manure, feed
Maintenance:
- Mulch plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Weed regularly, especially in early growth stages
- Fertilize – apply compost or well-rotted manure a couple of times a year. Applying a liquid seaweed or weed tea routinely during the warmer months will give then an extra boost
- Prune to remove suckers and old branches to promote airflow and productivity
- Shade – use shade trees if needed
When to harvest?
Arabica usually flowers after rains with harvesting beginning around 2.5 to 4 years after planting. Pick only the ripe red cherries by hand – you may need to harvest over a period of time as not all the berries will ripen at the same time.
Processing the coffee beans
You can process the beans in a couple of ways. You can choose the washed (wet) process (where you depulp, ferment, wash and then dry) or the natural (dry) process (involves drying the whole cherries and then hulling them). You want the beans to get to about 10–12% moisture before you pop them into storage. Store the dried beans in a cool, dry place in breathable bags (not plastic).
Tips:
Can make a great house plant
What about growing your own tea. Check this post out for information on how to grow your own yummy Rosella for tea (and delicious jam)
