Tips for Growing Coffee

So you want to grow some coffee. Here is some of the basic information you will need to know.

Soil - Coffee trees will tolerate a wide range soil pH, though lightly acidic soil is ideal. Soil must be well-drained and amended with organic materials. Coffee trees love rich and porous soil. Soil of volcanic origin (like in Hawaii) is preferred. Coffee trees are not salt tolerant.

Irrigation - Coffee trees have shallow roots. They will not tolerate standing water or drought. Water your coffee trees consistently throughout the year, but cut back during the coldest two months of the year to promote flowering.

Fertilization - Fertilize coffee trees with a dry mix of nitrogen, phosphate and magnesium during the warmest months of the year. Ideally, trees should be fertilized three to four times annually.

Culture - Coffee trees are tropical, understory plants that prefer light shade and high humidity. While coffee trees are associated with mountain-side growth, they can actually grow at any elevation.

References:
University of Florida: Coffee Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

"Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates;" Bijan Dehgan; 1998
What Soil Type Is Needed for a Coffee Tree?