Sunday, August 2, 2009

Coffea Racemosa- The Forgotten Coffee Bean?



Coffea Racemosa is one of the less-talked-about species although it has a reputation among coffee bean growers for having excellent quality coffee beans. This bushy species from southern Africa branches readily and is an abundant producer. However, it remains rather short compared to other coffee bean species. Outdoors it can reach from six to ten feet, but may also be grown as a houseplant similar to other coffee bean varieties.

At SeedBloc.com we sell varieties of coffee bean seeds including the coffea racemosa featured in this post. Others coffee bean varieties include: coffea arabica and coffea kona.

Growing Information:



Sow your seeds about ½ an inch below the surface of soil and keep it lightly moist. Too much moisture will cause the seeds to rot. Potting soil with some perlite added in for drainage will or it can be mixed with sand and compost. Germination can take a while, so you may choose to cover your planted seeds with clear plastic to keep in moisture. Otherwise, you will have to mist the soil when it is at risk of drying out completely. Another option is sow your seeds in a sealable container or sandwich bag filled with either moist sand or the same soil mixture you will use to grow your plants. The advantage of using sand is that it is less likely to cause rot, but if your moisture level is correct that shouldn't be a big concern. Check periodically to see when your seeds have sprouted. When you see a root popping out from the seed coat, plant the seed level with the soil in its own container with root facing down. The advantages of this method is that it saves space while the seeds are waiting to germinate and it allows you to position the seed in the exact direction it should be growing. Be sure that the seed is not packed too tightly so that it can rise easily out of the soil as it grows. The seedling is still at risk of rotting until the seed coat is off, so be sure not to over water. The seed has is a papery outer layer and a hard shell underneath, which you may need to gently assist with the removal of if it is not coming off. In warm climates, plants can be safely transplanted outdoors in a semi-shaded location after they are about 18. Indoors, simply keep it near your window (preferably south, east or west). Feed the plants every two weeks from spring through fall and once a month during the winter with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ideal humidity is around 50%, but is not essential.

You may also purchase this product on our eBay store by clicking on the link provided.
Visit My eBay Store: SeedBloc

No comments:

Post a Comment