How much space do coffee plants need?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Coffee plants can fit into a wide range of spaces, but dwarf varieties are changing the game about space-challenged growing. This *Coffea arabica 'Nana'* requires a foot of pot space and develops year after year on my very small Brooklyn fire escape, producing between twenty and thirty beans each year--far more than I previously thought. Proper spacing (air movement and light penetration) is often overlooked by new growers, but are key element to healthy plant growth.
Indoor Container Growing
- 12-14 inch pots for dwarf varieties
- 18-24 inches between plants on shelves
- Prune annually to maintain 3-4 foot height
Outdoor Planting
- 6-8 feet between standard coffee bushes
- 4 feet row spacing for farm setups
- Elevation impacts spacing, higher altitudes require tighter planting
Urban growers can make the most of vertical space by utilizing tiered plant stands. I use a three-tier system that can hold six dwarf plants in 4 sq ft. I also use LED grow lights to create a more uniform canopy for plants to grow. To give plants a chance to grow evenly, I rotate pots each week because, without rotation, some plants will grow more than others due to leaves competing for light.
Leggy Growth
- Indicates insufficient light, relocate to brighter area
- Prune 1/3 of height to encourage bushier form
- Add reflective surfaces to redirect light
Root Bound Plants
- Repot when roots circle container base
- Upgrade pot size by 2 inches diameter
- Trim 20% of roots during repotting
The balance between aesthetics and function is an important consideration. I train coffee plants into espalier patterns against walls with good sun exposure. This method of training coffee plants saves space while creating a work of art that is alive. Espaliering requires me to position the branches each week, however, I can generate 30% more coffee beans year-round as a function of light optimization.
Read the full article: How to Grow Coffee at Home: Expert Tips for Success
