How to Grow Coffee Beans At home & All over the world

Hi– I’m Jon, an avid coffee drinker. Although I’ve never grown coffee myself, it has also interested me.

So, I’ve studied several tutorials to prepare for growing my own beans and made this guide to help you through the process. 

This is what we will cover:

Let’s dive in. 

Key Takeaways

• You can grow your own coffee beans outdoors if you live in a state with moderate humidity and warm temperatures. 
• Hawaii, Florida, California, and southeast Texas have the best climates for growing coffee plants outdoors. 
• You can grow your coffee plant indoors for residents in states with colder and/or drier climates. 
• If you grow a coffee plant indoors, you must maintain a temperature of 65-75ºF and humidity between 40-60%. 

How to Grow a Coffee Plant at Home

Growing a coffee plant at home is a rewarding and satisfying experience, although it does take some patience. 

Growing your coffee beans is hard because most homes can’t control the plant’s temperature and soil moisture year-round. This is why most coffee beans grow in the “Coffee Belt,” a region spanning the Earth’s equator. [1]

That said, you can grow coffee beans yourself in two main ways. However, both options take 3-4 years to produce fruit (which contains coffee beans). 

So, don’t invest your time and money into growing a coffee plant unless you’re in it for the long haul. 

1. Buy a Coffee Plant Pot or Grow From Seed

Here are two options you can use to grow coffee yourself.

Option 1: Germinate Seeds

Germinating coffee seeds is the process of bringing them to life. Coffee seeds are not the same as coffee beans– the seeds are within the red berries that grow on the coffee plant. These berries contain two seeds, which will turn into coffee beans.

To germinate seeds, you must soak them in water overnight (but not any longer) and then plant them under a thin layer of moist compost. Once you plant them, you need to keep the soil temperature between 80-84ºF (27-29ºC) for 6-8 weeks (until the seeds germinate). 

Unless you have a temperature-controlled greenhouse or live in a warmer climate, maintaining this temperature to germinate the seeds can be challenging. 

Option 2: Buy a Potted Coffee Plant

If you do not want to go through the process of germinating seeds, you can purchase a potted coffee plant. 

You can find small potted plants at local nurseries or online. When purchasing a potted coffee plant, make sure it is sturdy and healthy and that the pot has drainage holes so it does not get waterlogged.

2. Choose an Indoor or Outdoor Location

Choosing the right location for your coffee plant is crucial for its growth and yield. Coffee plants thrive in warm and humid environments, and they require plenty of sunlight.

If you live in a colder climate, you need to grow your coffee plant indoors in a location that gets plenty of natural light.

On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate, you can grow your coffee plant outdoors in a spot that receives partial shade.

Regardless of where you grow your coffee plant, protect it from harsh winds and extreme temperatures. 

3. Find a Spot with Bright Indirect Light

Coffee plants need bright, indirect sunlight. If you are growing your coffee plant indoors, find a spot near a window that receives plenty of light. 

If you are growing your coffee plant outdoors, place it in an area with partial shade where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.

For example, if you plant your coffee plant on the east or west side of your house, it will get shade during the first or second half of the day. 

4. Provide Adequate Temperature and Humidity Levels

Keeping your coffee plant warm and humid is essential for its growth. You should strive to maintain an average temperature of 65-75ºF (18-24ºC). 

Additionally, you should aim for humidity levels between 40% and 60%. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to mist your coffee plant regularly or use a humidifier near it (if you are growing it indoors).

5. Water & Fertilize 

You need to fertilize coffee plants every few weeks to ensure optimal growth. Look for a fertilizer specifically designed for coffee plants, and apply the fertilizer according to package instructions.

It is also important to water your coffee plant regularly. Water your plant when the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering it, as this can cause root rot and fungal infections. The soil should always remain moist but not overly wet or waterlogged.

6. Check for Pests

When growing coffee beans, it’s essential to be on the lookout for pests, as these can quickly destroy your hard work. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

To prevent pest infestations from happening, keep an eye out for signs of any insects or other critters around your coffee plants. In particular, look for small white bugs (aphids) or webs (spider mites).

If you spot these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.

7. Fertilize & Feed

Coffee plants require ample nutrition for optimal growth and yield. Fertilize your coffee plant regularly (about every two weeks) with a balanced soluble fertilizer and provide it with organic matter such as compost or mulch to keep the soil rich in nutrients. 

You should also feed your coffee plant with a small number of coffee bean husks or used grounds, as they contain nitrogen which is beneficial for healthy growth.

8. Harvest Your Coffee Beans

Once your coffee plant has matured and its leaves begin to yellow, it’s time to harvest the beans. To do this, carefully pluck off the ripe coffee cherries, which are typically a deep red color. Don’t forget to wear gloves when doing this to avoid staining your hands!

You can collect the berries in a basket or cloth and then separate the beans from their parchment-like outer layer by using a colander.

After you have harvested the coffee beans, you can dry and roast them to make your own freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy!

How to Grow Coffee Beans Around the World

What to consider when growing Coffee beans will depend on where you live. Here are some places.

How to Grow Coffee Beans in Florida

If you live in Florida, you can grow your own coffee plants outdoors with relative ease due to the warm climate. The further south in Florida you live, the easier it will be to maintain and grow your coffee plant.

Find a spot that receives partial shade and is protected from harsh winds and extreme temperatures, as this will provide an ideal environment for your coffee plant to thrive. 

For most parts of Florida, maintaining an average temperature of 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) and humidity levels between 40-60% is easy outdoors. 

How to Grow Coffee Beans in Texas

If you live in Texas, it is possible to grow coffee plants outdoors. However, due to the variable temperatures and dry climate found in most of the state (especially the western half), you need to take extra care when choosing a spot for your plant.

Choose an area with partial shade and protection from strong winds, as this will give your coffee plant the best chance of survival. Additionally, due to the dryness of the climate, you may need to mist your plant regularly or water frequently.

If you live in the Houston region or close to the Gulf of Mexico, you won’t have to worry about low humidity levels. 

How to Grow Coffee Beans in Ohio

Since Ohio can experience sudden drops in temperature and harsh, below-freezing winters, growing a coffee plant outdoors in this state is not feasible. The same goes for other northern and Midwest states. 

If you still want to grow coffee beans in Ohio, consider planting your coffee plant indoors. Choose a spot that receives plenty of natural light and maintain the temperature between 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) and humidity levels around 40-60%.

How to Grow Coffee Beans in California

Southern California has a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, making it a good climate grow coffee beans. Pick a location with partial shade and protection from and strong winds.

California often has low humidity, so keep the soil moist but not soggy, as coffee plants prefer evenly moist soil. You can use mulch or compost to help retain moisture in the soil. Additionally, you may need to mist your plant regularly to keep the air humidity levels up.

Growing coffee in northern California will be more challenging as the climate tends to be colder and much wetter than in southern California. In this case, growing your coffee plant indoors may be safer. 

How to Grow Coffee Beans in the UK

Due to its climate, growing coffee beans in the UK can be challenging. However, it is not impossible.

To grow coffee beans in the UK, you need to create the right indoor growing conditions for the coffee plant to thrive– i.e., a temperature between 21-27ºC and humidity levels between 40-60%. 

This means you can have them outside on warm summer days, but not in the fall, spring, or winter. 

Also, you will need to provide the perfect amount of sunlight and water, adequate soil and fertilizer, and the proper temperature and humidity. 

Due to the UK’s low amount of sunlight, you may have to supplement with indoor UV lights. 

Still, with proper care and attention, you can successfully grow coffee beans in the UK and enjoy your own home-grown coffee.

How to Grow Coffee Beans in the Philippians

The Philippines is known for producing some of the world’s best coffee beans. After all, the Philippians is within the “Coffee Belt,” a region around the equator that has the prime temperature and humidity year-round that coffee plants need to thrive. 

Since the climate is perfect for outdoor coffee growing, you can use the same methods we described above. 

Find a spot that receives partial shade and has protection from extreme temperatures and strong winds. Additionally, keep the soil evenly moist with regular watering or misting, and provide your coffee plants with plenty of fertilizer.

How to Grow Coffee Beans in South Africa

Growing coffee beans in South Africa is simple, thanks to the country’s climate and soil conditions. 

The first step is to choose the right location with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil. Then, select the appropriate coffee variety that is suitable for the region. Coffea Arabica, Coffea Canephora (Robusta), and Coffea Racemosa (Wild Coffee) are all native to Africa and grow well in South Africa.

It is best to plant your coffee in the early spring for optimal growth. As the coffee trees grow, fertilize them every few weeks. Ensure they receive enough water and nutrients, protection from pests and diseases, and partial shade while not in direct wind.  

How to Grow Coffee Beans in Australia

Growing coffee in Australia is possible. However, since most regions of the country are extremely dry and sunny,  you will need to choose a location that receives partial sunlight, well-draining soil, and a steady water supply.

Plant your coffee tree in the early spring and ensure you provide them with the right amount of water and nutrients. 

Make sure you keep the soil moist but not soggy and protect your coffee plants from pests and diseases. Additionally, apply mulch to retain moisture in the soil. 

How to Grow Coffee Beans in Canada

Growing coffee in Canada is possible, but due to its colder climate, you will have to grow your coffee indoors. Choose a location with partial shade and maintain the temperature between 21-27ºC and the humidity between 40-60%. 

Ensure the soil is well-draining, as coffee plants do not tolerate wet feet for long periods. Additionally, apply mulch or compost to retain moisture and fertilize your coffee plants once every two weeks.

How to Grow Coffee Beans Indoors

To grow coffee beans inside, use the same steps above:

• Choose a spot in your home that receives plenty of natural light, such as near a window or by using artificial UV lighting.
• Keep the temperature between 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) and humidity levels around 40-50%.
• Plant your coffee beans in well-draining potting soil to help prevent overwatering.
• Water regularly, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Additional Tips for Growing Coffee Beans Indoors

• If you want to increase the humidity levels, use a humidifier or mist the plants with water.
• Place rocks in the bottom of your pot to promote even drainage so the roots don’t sit in water.
• Fertilize your coffee plant every two weeks during the growing season

Beware of Coffee Plant Toxicity

Coffee plants are toxic to pets and humans, so it is vital to take extra care when growing these plants. Parts of the coffee plant, including the leaves and fruit, contain compounds that can be poisonous if ingested. Eating any part of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion.

Keep children and pets away from the plants at all times. If you suspect that someone has eaten a part of the plant, call poison control and seek medical attention immediately, as this could be fatal.

Be sure to wear gloves when handling your coffee plant, as certain compounds in the plant can cause skin irritation or stain your hands.

FAQS

Here are some common questions about growing coffee beans.

Wrap Up

Growing your own coffee beans at home can be a rewarding experience.

With some patience and dedication, you can grow a plant that will eventually produce fresh beans for you to roast, grind, and brew into your favorite coffee or espresso drink. 

Just make sure to keep the temperature and humidity regulated, water regularly, and prune as necessary.

For more info on the types of coffee beans, read this guide.