Coffee Plant

The Coffee Plant (Coffea) is a perennial tropical shrub grown for the beans inside its coffee cherries, as well as for its glossy foliage and fragrant, jasmine-like flowers. It forms a bushy, branching shrub with dark green, leathery leaves.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Coffea (family Rubiaceae)
• Type: Perennial tropical shrub or small tree
• Mature size: 6 to 15 feet cultivated (up to 30 feet in the wild)
• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, 3 to 6 inches long
• Flowers: Small, white, fragrant, jasmine-like
• Fruit: Coffee cherries ripening green to red or purple, each with two beans
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter

Best for

• Tropical and container gardens
• Homegrown coffee beans
• Ornamental foliage and fragrant flowers
• Warm, partially shaded spaces
• Plant enthusiasts and hobby growers

How to grow

Provide a tropical setting with temperatures between 60 and 70°F and partial shade to avoid direct sun damage. Grow in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. In suitable regions it grows best at altitudes between 2,000 and 6,000 feet.

Flavor profile

The beans inside the coffee cherries are roasted and ground to produce coffee, one of the world's most popular beverages.

About Everglades Farm

Everglades Farm is a Florida nursery growing edible plants, fruiting trees, and rare garden showpieces, shipped directly from the nursery to your door.