Arabica Coffee

Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) is the plant behind most of the world’s good coffee. It is a glossy evergreen shrub with white, jasmine scented flowers, followed by clusters of berries that ripen from green to deep red. Each berry holds two beans, ready to dry, roast and grind at home.

It is happiest in dappled light or morning sun, sheltered from hot afternoon sun and wind, in rich soil that drains well. Kept to two metres or so, it suits a sheltered garden bed or a large pot on a verandah. Protect it from frost. It is self fertile, so one plant is enough to get a crop, and the berries ripen over the cooler months.