Coffee, Arabian Coffee, Arabica Coffee

A relative of the gardenia and Ixora, coffee is an attractive shrub with glossy evergreen leaves. It prefers light shade, is hardy to 28°F and can be used as a potted specimen, though some varieties grow into large trees. The flowers are white, star-like, fragrant, in axillary clusters which appear in the spring. The fruit are red when ripe, in the fall, with a sweet pulp surrounding the bean.

	Click Coffee Berries to enlarge
	Click Green Coffee Beans to enlarge
	Click Coffee Leaves to enlarge

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Coffee, Arabian Coffee, Arabica Coffee

Botanical Name:   Coffea arabica L.

Family:  Rubiaceae Juss. 

Plant Type:  Evergreen shrub or tree

Origin: Tropical Africa 

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  6 - 40'

Rate of Growth: Medium

Salt Tolerance: Low

Soil Requirements:  Rich/loamy, well drained soil

Water Requirements: Keep soil moist during growing season

Nutritional Requirements: Complete fertilizer (6-6-6, 8-8-8, or 10-10-10) quarterly. Fertilizer labeled for use on gardenias or Ixora may be used. Best growth and bean flavor when fed organically.

Light Requirements: Full sun to filtered light

Form:  Compact bush to large tree

Leaves:  Dark green, oval-shaped

Flowers: White, star-like, fragrant, in axillary clusters which appear in the spring

Fruits: Small, red, oval with sweet flesh containing 2 seeds or "beans"

Pests or diseases:  None major

Uses:  Specimen plant, screen or hedge, fruit seeds used to make coffee

Bad Habits: 

Cost:  $$ -- Very reasonable

Propagation:  Seeds or cuttings

Sources:  American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants