Growing your own coffee at home: A fruitful journey from seedling to brew

Most of you probably kick-start the day with a small pot of black coffee for stimulation. Purchasing coffee beans can feel like chasing an elusive dream as we're often left wanting, even after sampling multiple varieties. This is why it could be a good idea to consider personal coffee cultivation. All that's required is purchasing an exotic plant and providing optimal growing conditions. A standout variety that thrives even in indoor settings is the Arabica coffee.

Journeying into private coffee cultivation doesn't necessitate setting up a sizeable plantation right off the bat. The initial years serve as a period of plant growth and the testing of various techniques designed to encourage the coffee plant to bloom. But before that, everything starts with seeding. Two options are available: purchasing a ready-to-plant seedling or choosing special seeds. If we opt for the latter, planting should not be delayed as seeds lose germination potential rapidly. Once the small seedling is ready, appropriate care can begin.

The process begins by ensuring that the home temperature is kept within the range of 20-22 degrees Celsius. The plant thrives in bright spots but should avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Humid environments and regular watering are preferable for coffee trees, hence placing them near a humidifier or water container, like an aquarium can be beneficial. This becomes even more crucial during winter when dry air can lead to the faster evaporation of water from the soil.

The type of substrate is one of the key factors that ensure the flowering of the plant. An inferior mix can retard root growth, depriving the plant of the chance to flourish. The soil has to be highly fertile, permeable, and slightly acidic. A home mixture can be made or readymade mixes meant for citrus cultivation can be purchased from any garden shop.

The coffee tree exhibits a tendency to grow upwards. To prevent the growth of a tall tree, make sure to prune the top allowing the tree to spread its branches outwards. After 3-4 years, it will be ready to bloom. If the aim is fruit production, pollination care is required. In nature, this is typically the job of insects, but human intervention might be needed under home conditions. Simply use a small brush and insert it into the flower's chalice. Ensure to spread the pollen across all buds and then wait patiently for nature to fulfil its task.