Twenty years ago I’d have had to go to the library to find answers but today, courtesy of the internet, I’m a coffee-growing expert.
Of course, I was a tea-growing expert at one point but that hasn’t worked out too well. I first thought the deteriorating of the tea plants was due to over-watering and/or scorching. So we shaded them and let them dry out a bit. It hasn’t really helped; they still look a bit shabby and down at heel. Then it occurred to me – we’d been doing a lot of watering with tap water. Tap water contains lime and tea plants, liking acid soils, don’t like tap water.
Seems like a good bit of deduction but trying to get the group to remember is more difficult than you’d think. Then, after more research, I find that it might not be a problem from tap water.
(And before you tell me to get more rainwater storage, I generally have enough, but people will insist on using the hosepipe for ease and speed. I confess that I do it myself at the end of a long day.)
So I’m going to add some ericaceous food, some organic matter and tap water.
The coffee plant looks in need of a little help too, but according to the web all I need to do is replicate conditions on a tropical mid-level mountainside and all will be OK.
Should be easy enough in a mock-Tudor semi in Nottingham. Apart from the tropical bit, and the mountainside…
So – humidity (gravel tyray), good drainage, temperature above freezing and preferably above 65 degrees F (18 degrees C), plenty of sun (but not direct) and it likes acid conditions and orchid fertiliser.
I reckon I can do this.
But that’s what I said about the tea.
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I admire your courage. Hang in there!
Thanks.
Growing coffee seems doable, if you can maintain the temperature. Are you growing it in a greenhouse/poly tunnel?
Looks like it’s going to be a houseplant for the winter and polytunnel in summer.
It will be interesting to see how it fares – and how big it gets, what level of produce it gives etc.
I’m going to try propagation by cutting and air-layering and, if they eventually produce seed, by sowing seed. However there is normally quite a gulf between my ambition and my results… 😉
Some sources say 10 – 15 feet high!
That’s tall!
They keep commercial plants to 6 feet – which will still make it the tallest houseplant I’ve ever had by a margin of about four and a half feet!
😀
You’d need a big windowsill.
We need updates! I am trying to grow strawberries on the second floor of a 102-year-old apartment building, but coffee sounds so much more exciting!
Strawberries sound better to eat, it could be 3 years before I produce anything. Still hoping to get some tea this year. Will keep you updated.
Do please keep us posted on the coffee progress.
Will do – though it may take a while to get going.