Can I use store-bought coffee beans to grow plants?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Beans sold by stores were roasted at 400 °F (204 °C), obliterating their ability to germinate. The beans can brew in your morning cup; however, the embryos die after processing. This became apparent to me after a few months of failure with grocery store beans, and I switched to frozen green seeds.
Where to Buy
- Specialty nurseries: Hawaiian, Costa Rican suppliers
- Coffee research stations (e.g., UC Davis Coffee Center)
- Online seed exchanges with phytosanitary certificates
Viable vs Roasted
- Viable seeds: Emerald green, slightly soft, parchment layer intact
- Roasted beans: Brown, brittle, cellular structure destroyed
- Germination rate: 70% vs 0% for roasted
New seeds will be enclosed in pergamino, a layer of protective parchment husk. Before planting, soak the seeds for 24 hours, similar to how they are drenched by tropical rainfall in nature to initiate germination. I have my first sprouts from seeds I got from Hawaii, and they sprouted much more vigorously than the roasted bean seeds I had tried before.
Preparation Steps
- Soak seeds: 24 hours in 70°F (21°C) water
- Remove parchment layer without damaging embryo
- Plant 1 inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix
Environmental Needs
- Maintain 80°F (27°C) soil temperature
- 70% humidity via humidity dome
- Bright indirect light (no direct sun)
Legal restrictions exist and importing seeds into the state and farms without permits may introduce pests. I have worked around this by sourcing from nurseries within the U.S. approved and inspected by the USDA. Seeds produced through these are quarantined and inspected for sufficiency as a pest-free condition as a guarantee to the purchaser of a healthy plant, while you still have the opportunity to grow coffee from seed legally.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
