Key Features
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Traditional Ethiopian coffee variety known for its aromatic coffee beans.
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Glossy, deep green leaves with fragrant white flowers.
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Produces green coffee cherries that ripen to red or deep red.
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Evergreen tropical shrub or small tree suited to warm climates.
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Attractive foliage makes it a distinctive addition to tropical gardens and greenhouses.
Growing Benefits
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Enjoy growing a coffee plant from seed at home.
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Add glossy evergreen foliage to tropical garden spaces.
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Experience the satisfaction of nurturing a slow-growing coffee tree.
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Learn about the journey from coffee flower to ripe fruit.
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Grow an attractive plant for a warm greenhouse or sheltered patio.
Seed Specifications
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Common Name: Ethiopian Coffee, Arabica Coffee
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Botanical Name: Coffea arabica
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Plant Type: Evergreen tropical shrub or small tree
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Colors: White flowers, green leaves, red ripe coffee cherries
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Height: Approximately six to fifteen feet outdoors; smaller in containers
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Sunlight: Bright filtered light or partial shade
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Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
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Water: Regular moisture; avoid waterlogged soil
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Germination Time: Usually several weeks to a few months
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Sowing Depth: Lightly cover seeds with a thin layer of soil
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Spacing: Allow several feet between plants when grown outdoors
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Growing Zones: USDA zones ten to eleven outdoors; grow in containers in cooler climates
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Flowering/Maturity: Flowers after several years under suitable conditions; cherries take several months to ripen
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Uses: Ornamental tropical plant and coffee bean production
Growing Tips
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Use fresh, viable coffee seeds for the best chance of successful germination.
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Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
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Protect young seedlings from harsh direct sunlight and cold temperatures.
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Provide good drainage and plenty of room for roots to develop.
Seed Storage
Store coffee seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in an airtight container until planting. Coffee seeds lose viability as they dry out or age, so sow fresh seeds as soon as possible.
Unique Facts About Ethiopian Coffee Seeds
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Ethiopian coffee belongs to Coffea arabica, a species originating in the highlands of Ethiopia.
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Coffee seeds are commonly called coffee beans, although they are botanically seeds inside the fruit.
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Coffee plants produce fragrant white flowers that resemble jasmine blossoms.
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Ripe coffee cherries usually contain two seeds, each with a characteristic flat side.


