Coffee Arabica (Ceratonia siliqua)

Coffea arabica, also known as the Arabic coffee, is a species of flowering plant in the coffee and madder family Rubiaceae. It is believed to be the first species of coffee to have been cultivated and is currently the dominant cultivar, representing about 60% of global production.

What makes Coffee Arabica more popular than any other coffee beans is that people love them. Overall, they're sweeter, more full in flavour and can offer plenty of nuance in terms of coffee notes and aromas compared to other beans.

Despite containing less caffeine than Robusta, Arabica beans are often considered superior in taste. Arabica tends to have a smoother, sweeter taste, with flavour notes of chocolate and sugar. They often also have hints of fruits or berries.

Coffee Arabica is pretty hardy especially once they have established. They do well in a climate between 15'c - 21'c growing under shade or in between other plants. Our Coffee Arabica is about 2.5-4 years. They are happily growing in a pot and indoor, Misting of the leaves daily may be needed if the indoor humidity is higher than 50% to avoid browning of the leaves.

Plant Care 

• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during the hotter months, without becoming waterlogged.
• Temperature: Optimal growing temperatures are between 15°C and 24°C. Arabica coffee plants are susceptible to frost and should be protected or grown in environments where temperatures do not drop below freezing.
• Light: Prefers filtered light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can be tolerated if water and mulching are managed well to keep the roots cool.
• Fertilising: Use a balanced NPK fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, applied quarterly during the growing season. Supplementing with iron and zinc can be beneficial for leaf health and growth.
• Pruning: Prune regularly to maintain plant health, manage height, and improve air circulation. This can also help in controlling pests and diseases.
• Mulching: Mulching is highly beneficial to help maintain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Pest Control: Watch for coffee leaf rust and coffee berry borer. Use organic or recommended pesticides as needed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Produces small, white flowers that develop into berries (cherries). The berries transition from green to bright red when ripe, typically within 7-9 months after flowering.
• Potting: Can be grown in large containers, which helps in managing growth and facilitates frost protection by moving indoors.
• Feeding Regime: Coffee plants benefit from regular feeding, especially with potassium and phosphorus during the fruiting stages to promote healthier fruit development.