I've tried a few different times with no luck...I've taken the red "cherries" from the tree, fermented in water, I've taken almost dead looking ones from the tree. Unfortunately, after waiting for an extreme amount of time I give up. I would still like to sprout some, though...
Never tried growing coffee, but on general principles for berries, (1) use fresh berries, not 'almost dead looking' ones, (2) skip the fermentation (the yeasts and fungi which ferment the fruit pulp can also kill the seed), and (3) trim off the fruit pulp off by hand, and scrub the seed clean, before planting.
Coffee seeds are not hard to germinate. In fact, most all coffee trees are grown from seed. Select seed from trees that produce high quality beans. If the seeds are not planted at once they should be stored in a slightly humid, cool environment, where they will keep for a few months. Coffee seeds are *ALWAYS* planted under shade. They germinate in about 4 to 6 weeks. The best to you, and your new coffee tree. - Millet
I did grow a Coffee tree about 25 years ago. It grew so well and tall that I gave it to my in-laws who had a large sunroom. It outgrew that too and was disposed of with no where to put it. It flowered and produced some beans but not in any sizeable quantity. Cheers, LPN.
Other than for the novelty of growing a coffee tree, there is not much reason to do so. Even in the optimum environment of the tropics, a coffee tree only produces about one pound of coffee per harvest, but because the beans do not all mature at the same time a normal harvest period is spread over 3-4 months. Coffee grown as a residential tree normally produces about 1/4 pound per year. - Millet
I want to grow it mostly due to nostalgia (I lived in HI for a few years), but also for the beauty. I love the look of a coffee tree with shiny red berries poking out amongst the leaves. I think the biggest issue is maintaining the proper amount of moisture during the germination process. At any rate, the director of the greenhouse that I used to work at is giving me a healthy young tree since the greenhouse is transitioning to only natives. Thanks for the responses!
I've always had good results with just planting whole ripe coffee cherries in the shade. Then again, I live in the tropics, so my soils and moisture are probably optimal.
Geez Millet ... I hope you and yours are OK after that devistating tornado in the Denver area!? Cheers, LPN (Barrie)
Thanks for the concern Berry, the tornadoes were about 25 miles north of me. Usually, I see one or two tornadoes ever year, but have never been directly hit. The closest one was about 1/2 mile away, which was several years back. However, never say never. - Millet
