It is no coincidence that it is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. We can get it in any supermarket, although its cost is usually somewhat high. Have you thought that you can grow coffee at home?
You may think this is not possible, but of course it is. This way, you no longer have to go anywhere to buy it. In addition, its exquisite aroma will stand out in your garden, orchard, terrace or wherever it grows.
It is a plant that tends to measure from 3 to 10 meters high, but it is also possible to have it indoors, in pots. If you want your own, read this article!
Characteristics of the Coffee Plant
About 10 varieties of coffee are cultivated to delight our palate. The best known and oldest is Coffea arabica, from Ethiopia and tropical areas of Africa. At present, it represents 60% of the production on a world scale and its cultivation is widespread in South and Central America.
This shrub is called the coffee tree. It has white flowers that are crowded around the stems. For its part, the fruit (drupe or cherry), in its first stage is green, but turns reddish or purple as it matures. Inside it keeps the seed that reaches each home.
Coffee is sensitive to atmospheric factors, especially wind. In this order of ideas, the tropical highlands (with a maximum altitude of 2000 meters) are the ideal environments to grow coffee, as their cool and humid climate is the perfect setting to achieve stress-free growth.
Can you grow coffee at home?
Although coffee plantations are more common in the countryside or in rural areas, of course it is possible to plant it at home! Of course, since it is a habitat outside its natural space, make sure that the attention is sufficient: focus on keeping it free of pests, hydrated and nourished with foliar or liquid fertilizers.
If you prefer to grow coffee at home, do not place it in a position that receives direct sunlight. Whereas, if you choose the exterior, have a wide area so that nothing interferes with its development.
Of course, you must be very patient. The plant takes several years to reach maturity. The beans are then harvested and passed through fermentation, washing, drying, and roasting.
How to grow coffee at home?
It does not matter if you are not an expert or do not know anything about gardening. Follow these instructions very well, follow them to the letter and your coffee crop will not fail.
Do it in spring
The season is decisive and early spring is the most appropriate time. The reason is that temperatures are good for germination to occur. Remember that coffee does well in tropical climates.
Get the seeds or the plant
Visit your favorite garden store to purchase the correct seeds. It is essential that they are from a nearby harvest, so that the germination occurs without problems. Otherwise, the plant may not grow or may not grow.
Another way to go is to acquire a specimen of coffee that has already sprouted. If you lean towards this option, the advantage is that you will save time, since you will not have to wait for it to germinate. It’s up to you!
Start growing coffee
Use a new soil rich in humus or combine 70% peat and 30% perlite. Make sure there are no compost residues or anything else that could damage the job. The most suitable thing is that the substrate is porous.
The next step is to deposit the seeds in the ground, about 4 centimeters deep, and cover them. Keep in mind that for optimal growth, the temperature should be 25 degrees Celsius.
It should be noted that some people choose to plant first in a compost-filled seedbed, and then transplant to the final place. This process requires opening small holes of 1 centimeter to introduce the seeds and cover.
Water with the right amount of water
As with all plants, irrigation is decisive. Coffee growers suggest watering with plenty of water the first time. Then, it must be done in moderate quantities, twice a week.
Wait for the plant to grow
After a month or two, your plant will have germinated. So, in case you have chosen a seedbed, you can transplant it into a pot to take it inside or leave it in the garden. It will continue to grow little by little. After the first semester he will be between 15 and 20 centimeters tall.
Later its flowers will appear and you will be delighted with its beauty and aroma. For the flowering stage to be healthy, a temperature of between 28 and 33 degrees Celsius is needed. This will last for a month, until the flowers turn brown and fall off.
Pruning
Pruning is not mandatory, but it is useful if you have the plant indoors. They are used to control its size.
Harvest!
In the 6 to 8 months after flowering, the fruiting stage will occur. The long-awaited harvest time will have arrived when the fruits show a very intense red color.
However, if the cherries fall before achieving this hue, it will be a sign of immaturity. In general, the coffee tree takes about 9 years to bear usable fruit. It will seem like forever, but it will be worth it!
Dry and toast the beans
If you want the coffee for your consumption, follow these steps:
- Open the fruits and remove the beans.
- Soak the grains in water for several days to ferment. When they feel gritty and you see bubbles, scoop them out and rinse them using fresh water.
- Spread them in the sun for a week. They will be ready when you press on them with your teeth and they crack.
- Remove the outer skin and silver-colored layers. Leave only the green beans.
- Roast them in an oven pre-heated to 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes.
Enjoy your coffee to the fullest
Growing coffee will not only help you have your favorite everyday drink on hand. In addition, this grain can be used for many beauty routines and to take care of your skin. There are no excuses. You have powerful reasons to do your sowing.
