Coffee is a tropical plant that can be grown indoors, producing bright red sweet ‘cherries’ with the ‘beans’ being the seeds inside the fruit. Coffee plants add a great tropical feel to hot sheltered gardens and have numerous small white flowers that are sweetly fragrant.
Planting Calendar
Coffee plants are usually available in stores from late Spring through Summer.
Prepare
Position
Outdoor coffee is best grown in a hot sheltered position in filtered sunlight, they do not like full sun. They do not like salt spray or cold winds and frost. Indoors they can be grown in a well lit position out of direct sunlight.
Soil
When planted in the ground, coffee plants prefer a slightly acid soil with plenty of nitrogen. Mix Kings Organic Compost and Peat into the soil when planting to increase the acidity of the soil. If grown in a container outside then plant into King's Container mix. Indoor specimens can be planted into Kings House Plant Mix.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Peat then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Coffee plants like to be kept moist and not to dry out. Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. For coffee that is grown indoors liquid feed with Kings Liquid House Plant Food.
Protecting
Protect any plants grown outside from frost with frost cloth.
Spraying
Mealy bugs and mites can be an issue on plants grown indoors. Mist your Coffee plant daily and be watchful for any white cotton like substance. Early intervention is important. Spray with Groventive (if not harvesting beans) or for an organic options spray with Bugtrol.
Pruning
Coffee trees grow fast in the right conditions and respond well to pruning and shaping. Prune back by removing the tips during late winter-spring.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Tip
Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and are slightly acidic. Just what coffee plants like. Use coffee grounds as a mulch around your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sunlight does a coffee plant need?
Outdoor coffee is best grown in a hot sheltered position in filtered sunlight, they do not like full sun. They do not like salt spray or cold winds and frost. Indoors they can be grown in a well lit position out of direct sunlight.
Can I prune my Coffee plants?
Coffee plants can get tall quite quickly, if keeping it indoor, regular pruning of the tips helps keep it at a manageable height and keeps your tree looking nice and bushy.
How often should I water my coffee plant?
Coffee plants like to be kept moist and not to dry out. Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Can I grow a coffee plant indoors?
Coffee plants can be grown indoors in Auckland. Ensure they have access to bright, indirect light and maintain humidity levels.
Are there any pests or diseases to watch out for?
Coffee plants can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and aphids. Regularly check for signs of infestation and treat promptly if necessary.
