If you like coffee and would like to grow your own coffee tree then you can grow plants at home.
It is certainly a labor intensive way of ‘making your own’ coffee, however it is satisfying and you can grow great beans as well.
In the open garden, you will struggle to grow good beans any further south than Sydney. And coffee plant will certainly perform better coastal foothills in Queensland, however its always worth a try. and if you create a micro climate you can grow coffee plants as far south as Melbourne.
You will need a frost free climate, and best in a position where the trees will be protected from wind.
Growing Coffee Plants
The coffee tree or plant, ‘coffee arabica’ produces coffee beans in early spring, and the red seeds are harvested at this time. Plants can be grown from seed, however it is more usual to purchase young plants as viable seeds are often difficult to obtain.
Try to set up a temperature range that is consistent between 15 C and 25C. In cooler climates this means container growing and bringing the plant onto an enclosed patio or indoors over winter.
Some gardeners have had success with growing coffee plants as indoor plants, however bean production is limited.
Plants will take around 3 years to become productive. Coffee plants make a great hedge for those who have the space.
Coffee plants or trees can grow to 3m in cultivation and require a warm climate and a humus rich fertile soil to do well. However coffee trees do like a little shade.
Frost is a problem and plants need protection. Newly planted trees can take up to 4 years to flower and fruit. Attractive white flowers are fragrant and are followed by the berries which take a few months to ripen.
Where to grow Coffee Plants
In Australia can you grow coffee plants ? Mostly Queensland as these are really a tropical to sub tropical plant, you could try as far south as Sydney, any further south is probably not viable unless you can create a warm micro climate.
And yes in warmer climates coffee plants will ‘self seed’ and as birds love them they can become a problem, so if you plants them, remember to pick the beans……
Harvesting Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are washed and soaked, cleaned and then dried in the sun. After a week or two the outer bean will split to reveal the ‘coffee bean’. These are separated and left to dry until hard. Coffees beans are then ready to roast.
Coffee Plants are available for sale from the following participating growers
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
