172 responses
| About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 28th June 2007 12:33am #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Correy says... Here is a picture of some coffee plants I am growing in pots. If you are able to provide ideal conditions such as low wind and very sunny. Then I would get a mixture of Catui, K7 and Arabica and see which ones are best down there. If it gets cold and windy I probably wouldn't get the cactui or if you do, just take care of it until it is established. The K7 is very hardy and resistant to the coffee rust Here is a list of the Coffee Trees that we have.
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba 28th June 2007 10:53am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 28th June 2007 11:55pm #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba 29th June 2007 12:09am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 29th June 2007 12:18am #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba 29th June 2007 12:28am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 29th June 2007 12:53am #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Magdy Melbourne 4th July 2007 10:47pm #UserID: 144 |
||||||||||
Greg says... Check this link out for what a male flower looks like http://trees.stanford.edu/images/Ceratonia_gal/Ceratonia_gal-Images/1.jpg The female flower will not have any yellow male anthers, but will have noticable female stigmas. Daleys will have a bisexual grafted variety Clifford available in October | About the Author Greg Kyogle 5th July 2007 4:56pm #UserID: 28 View All Greg's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Correy says... Just letting you guys know that my K7 coffee plants that I am growing in pots are pushing forth flowers after only 2 years. I am very happy I will keep you updated and add a few pictures when they are in bloom. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 24th August 2007 2:14pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 25th September 2007 8:02pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
Correy says... Here are pictures of my K7 coffee Tree after 2 years of growing in a 35 litre bonsai bag. You can't capture the smell of the flowers in the picture however when you walk past you can smell it from a distance and it is very pleasant like a frangipani. Picture 1: Just before the flowers open (they can take about a month getting to this stage.) Picture 2: All of a sudden they bloom and as you can see they are very attractive white flowers with a full and fragrant smell. (Day 1 of the flowers opening) Picture 3: This is Day 2 and the smell is even greater now so I often see bees and flies getting the nectar. The flowers only last about 4 days and then they go brown, wither and fall off. After another couple of weeks you will notice that where it flowered it starts to bulge as a tiny bean starts forming. I think it takes about 5-9 months before the beans are totally formed and ready to pick... I hope it is worth the wait and I will keep you updated with pics. A great idea for an outdoor coffee shop would be to have real coffee trees in pots as the plants do look amazing at times.
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 31st October 2007 11:33am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 31st October 2007 1:58pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 31st October 2007 5:23pm #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Correy says... Hi DellDGM, that is our brand new Black Sapote - Bernicker It is grafted and already has the flowers forming for next years fruit. It will be interesting to see what happens. I have eaten some amazing black sapotes this year and can't wait to start picking my own. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 31st October 2007 6:20pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
DellDGM says... It looks very healthy. I have managed to keep all of my 7 new trees this year except my panama berry - I was a bit shocked It seemed to come through the unusual cold snap and I thought I was actually going to loose the coffee but it came good but the panama suddenly dropped all its leaves and shrivelled up to a stick - oh well 6 out of seven (many of which were tropical) is better than I expected. | About the Author DellDGM Adelaide 31st October 2007 6:52pm #UserID: 129 View All DellDGM's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 1st November 2007 3:35pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Nathan Samsonvale 11th November 2007 10:21pm #UserID: 422 |
||||||||||
Correy says... I use a potting mix because of the drainage and also feed them with dynamic lifter and a bit of citrus fertilizer. I have the K7 variety (In the pictures) which I have had for the longest and also some of the catui Dwarf coffee varieties. I made the mistake which caused one of the catuies to die which was I put sugar hay at the bottom of the pot expecting it to break down however instead it just acted as a sponge and stopped any drainage. After I realised I re-potted with good potting mix and they were fine. I got 3 of the K7 coffee plants at the same time and they are all in different sized pots. The one in the smaller sized pot has grown less however it has flowered and developed the beans much faster then the others. So perhaps the smaller the pot the quicker you get the beans and the smaller the coffee tree. If I was to plant them in the ground eventually like yourself I would still go with the Catui variety because it is not much fun getting a ladder to pick the coffee beans when you can get the dwarf coffee variety and walk out and pick them at head height. Because I am growing the K7 variety in a pot it will remain small. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 12th November 2007 10:12am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Nathan Samsonvale 12th November 2007 8:51pm #UserID: 422 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba 2nd December 2007 9:21am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Melanie says... Can you tell me what kind of position, light and moisture the coffee dwarf is suited to? I have just ordered 5 from your online shop. | About the Author Melanie balgowlah, NSW 20th December 2007 7:59am #UserID: 512 |
|||||||||
Correy says... Dwarf Coffee Tree Position A sunny site with protection from strong wind. Light They love the sun Moisture and Soil Conditions They like moisture however it is better if the soil is free draining. If you are planting them in the ground it would be ideal to do a drainage test. Here is a video daleys made on it: How to Plant a Tree The soil is better if it is enriched with fertiliser and manure. Also it is advisable to cover with thick mulch to stop any weeds. You will have to send us a few pictures Melanie when your dwarf coffee tree starts producing. My beans are the right size now I am just waiting for them to turn red. Further Reading: Tag: Coffee Tree Grow your own Coffee Coffee in Pots Green Thumb Sunday Coffee Beans | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 20th December 2007 8:09am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Kathryn Rowe says... Hi Correy, I am obsessed with the perfect cup of coffee. I would love to grow my own but live in the western suberbs of Melbourne. Do you think it possible I might be able to grow and harvest my own coffee (given the occasional frost -1 in Aug and Sept)? I don't have heaps of space and was very interested to hear you grow yours in pots. | About the Author Kathryn Rowe Albion Victoria 16th January 2008 11:42am #UserID: 575 |
|||||||||
Correy says... Hi Kathryn, Daleys often sends coffee trees down to victoria to people like yourself willing to give it a go. So if you are willing to baby them until they are established I think it is well worth the trouble. Coffee trees hate wind most of all. So perhaps find a place where it is protected and you can perhaps radiate it some heat for those colder months. Frosts are a worry but there are ways around that such as reflective aluminum. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 16th January 2008 11:57am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Adrianna Cooper Logan Village 16th January 2008 3:30pm #UserID: 224 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Adrianna Cooper Logan Village 16th January 2008 3:34pm #UserID: 224 |
||||||||||
Correy says... Adrianna, I would love to see your picture. Can you compress it before you upload it? If you read what Sonya has to say on our blog here she goes into some great details on preparing the coffee from your coffee plant | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 16th January 2008 6:51pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 17th January 2008 2:32pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Benno West Melbourne 30th January 2008 2:31pm #UserID: 627 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 31st January 2008 11:41am #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
Correy says... My coffee beans are starting to go red and I am so very proud. Now I know why they are called coffee cherries at this stage. The Wiki on coffee processing says: That the taste of the coffee is highly influenced by the time they are picked. In some coffee plantations apparently they pick the green beans because they get paid by the basket load which accounts for the lower quality. Has anyone got a spare hulling machine they don't need anymore :)
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 19th March 2008 3:36pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Leona 19th March 2008 5:16pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 26th March 2008 2:41pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
Correy says... We are picking the coffee now and drying them out. Picture 2 is one of the Dwarf Coffee Trees with my niece. They grow quite well in suburban Brisbane don't you think. My experience is that they are very very very sensitive to wind. The moment they are in the wind the leaves start looking sick and yellowy. Picture 1 is a handful of the beans. Picture 3 is a comparison of the just picked coffee beans compared to the coffee beans which have been in the sun for about 2 weeks. I am keeping them in the sun for about 4 weeks before dehusking them and then giving them a good hot roasting on a wok. Any hints on this process would be great.
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 13th April 2008 9:08am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 13th April 2008 1:24pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 12th May 2008 2:24pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Diny Bundaberg 22nd May 2008 10:12pm #UserID: 968 |
||||||||||
Correy says... Wow Diny that coffee tree is incredibly healthy. The flowers smell amazing too hey. Have you done any harvesting or roasting? If you watched my video you might notice that I am in need of a bit of help. Also you should have the red cherries on it about now do you have a picture with the beans on it? | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 23rd May 2008 7:49am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
trikus says... Nice pic Mum . We had a meeting of the Rare Fruit Council and did not realize that we had to supply tea & coffee for all the people . Lucky there is always lots of tealeaves , and we had a jar of coffee berries . I spent the whole meeting quietly peeling of the parchment , and when it was all over fired up a small gas burner and roasted the coffee in a wok . It sure tasted good and impressed everyone . | About the Author trikus Tully 23rd May 2008 6:11pm #UserID: 930 |
|||||||||
Diny says... I just raced out to take this photo, it is pitch dark, don't know if I stood on any snakes or toads but these are the beans. They are ripening very slowly, I can pick just a few at the time. I dry them and peel the outer husks of while watching TV. I sell seedlings on eBay and one of my buyers told me he is using a popcorn popper to roast them.
| About the Author Diny Bundaberg 23rd May 2008 10:26pm #UserID: 968 |
|||||||||
Diny says... Correy, I just watched your video, I process my beans a bit different, I eat the beans, mainly to keep my hands free while picking. That way they dry quicker and you only peel off the hard skin which you can do with your nails.The fine membrane rubs of easily and I winnow them like you do wheat. I throw them from one container in the other outside if there is a breeze.I don't have any fancy machine to make the coffee, just put some coffee in a pot, cover with boiling water and voila. | About the Author Diny Bundaberg 23rd May 2008 10:39pm #UserID: 968 |
|||||||||
Sandy says... Oh my goodness, that video you made , Correy, of your coffee beans from go to whoa, was entertaining, as well as interesting and educational! I had a good laugh too. I hope my K1 coffee tree, gets lots of beans on it, it is protected from frost with a tall piece of brush t- tree behind it, and a foam esky on 1 side. it's the only 1 left, from ones bought from Daley's last year. So, hope it goes well over winter, here in melbourne's south east area. At least you looked like you had fun making the video, which wasn't too bad at all! keep it up, and good luck for next time. | About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 1st June 2008 2:27pm #UserID: 281 |
|||||||||
Matt says... Great info everyone. You've answered my questions regarding yellowing trees. I have 13 in two hedge rows and 7 are 18months old and approx 1m. One has beans and another has had several flowers. The plants are healthy but i am impatient for the beans and flowers to develop. From you chat above it looks like i need to be more patient but hopefully within a year it'll be coming up Milhouse in the coffee stakes. Thanks. | About the Author Matt Keperra QLD 27th June 2008 9:01pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author John Perth 30th June 2008 3:13pm #UserID: 1094 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra QLD 1st July 2008 7:29pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Kate says... Anyone have any idea what variety of coffee tree this would be or do they all look very similar? They were a present and I just put them in bigger pots. Also - Corey, compared to your trees, mine have a lot of leaves developing all the way up the stems. Should I be removing them or letting them bush out like they are?
| About the Author Kate 27th September 2008 9:51am #UserID: 1436 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 1st October 2008 6:01pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
Hamish says... Hi all - just wondering how much coffee I can expect to get off a healthy plant. I generally have a couple of cups a day using my machine that grinds the beans itself. As I am aiming for self sufficiency I am trying to plan to have enough for myself and a bit to trade with. I am thinking 2 or 3 trees? | About the Author Hamish North East of Moree NSW 7th October 2008 11:44am #UserID: 1483 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Hamish North East of Moree NSW 7th October 2008 11:50am #UserID: 1483 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Kate 8th October 2008 6:15pm #UserID: 1436 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Pauline Adelaide 19th October 2008 5:01pm #UserID: 1532 View All Pauline's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Correy says... I think they fruit on whatever wood is available? I couldn't tell much difference between this year and the previous in where the beans formed. Every inch of the tree produces fruit except the trunk which is good because you need a lot of beans for a double shot :) They like sun but definitely not wind. If you can give them a wind break they will reward you for it. Not sure about espaillier, you will have to try and then tell us how you go. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 21st October 2008 9:03pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Pauline Adelaide 21st October 2008 9:18pm #UserID: 1532 View All Pauline's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Kate 27th October 2008 6:57am #UserID: 1436 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Brisbane 29th October 2008 7:14am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Matt says... Greetings All, For those in Brisbane i was able to find coffee trees being sold at the Ferny Grove Flea Market on Sundays. Currently our trees are going gangbusters. We've just had a major flowering and now we're waiting for the beans to form. I have no idea what type of trees we have but i can't wait for the first real crop to come along. I'll try and log some pics in the next week or so. Cheers Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra QLD 14th November 2008 9:28pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Pauline Adelaide 15th November 2008 5:58pm #UserID: 1532 View All Pauline's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi I have 4 coffea Arabica trees at home and they all are growing well. They suffered a bit of damager from lack of water while i was away for a couple of months but they seem to grow fine here. They like lots of water (simulating a dry season will help them fruit), fertile soil and naturally grow under the canopy of the african forest. so they prefer filtered light, especially when they are young. Mine were all outside during the winter, in the shade up against the house and slightly shaded from wind. But i dont think they are as sensitive to the cold as you would think.As long as they are healthy Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 18th November 2008 11:44am #UserID: 0 |
|||||||||
Mario says... Hi My coffee plant seems to be growing well, I keep it out of the wind and keep it well watered and fertised. However, I have noticed that any new leave shoots shrivel up. Does any one know if this is due to the plant getting too cold or too hot ? I have pictures attached, one showing a good green new shoot and the others shriveled one Mario
| About the Author Mario Adelaide 22nd November 2008 9:04am #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 22nd November 2008 3:57pm #UserID: 1670 |
||||||||||
Mario says... Hi Steve, It used to be in a greenhouse during winter, to keep it warm, then I noticed about 1 mth ago that the new leaves had shriveled up. So I moved it under a shade house. It is still happening. In Adelaide it is dry and can get be very hot -although I thought that coffee trees like sun ?, not as much as I thought. I suspect that shade cloth is still not enough to protect it. So I have moved it under a tree and see how it goes. Question I have my coffee tree in a pot. In Adelaide where I am, the days are warm but it can get as low as 12 degrees, but no frost. Should I bring the pot in doors if the night time temperature is expected to be that low, or keep it outside. So far it has been tolerating the cold temperature ok, no signs of cold damage, however, will this affect its ability to grow and eventually fruit ? Thanks Mario | About the Author Mario Adelaide 22nd November 2008 4:41pm #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Pauline Adelaide 22nd November 2008 4:59pm #UserID: 1532 View All Pauline's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Mario It could be a pest..but i think its probably just too much sun and lack of water it happened to many or my plants if they dont get enough water. especially if they are young and you get a hot day. Coffee trees naturally grow in the undergrowth of forests in ethiopa and around that area. so they prefer filtered light Put lots of mulch around the base of the tree (i use stones about the size of peas) give it a good dose of natural fertilizer and water it lots make sure the soil is always moist (i water my coffee trees every day during summer but its probably not necessary). I left my trees outside all through winter and they were fine. I think they are much hardier than people think so i wouldnt worry too much about it. Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 23rd November 2008 5:45pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Mario says... Thanks for the advice Steven and Pauline, I have moved my plant under shade and treated it with Pyrethum based insect spray, and kepted it well watered, it has been happy so far. The real test is when we have one of those hot Adelaide in the 30's days. I fertilized with cow mature in the potting mix when I first potted the plant with slow release pellets on the surface. The pellets suppose to last 6mths. However, looking at the web, I have been advised that coffee trees need to be well fertilized with a good liquid fertilizer once a month. I am interested in what people are fertilizing with and how often? Mario | About the Author Mario Adelaide 23rd November 2008 10:36pm #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
James says... Use a soluable 10-10-10 fertilizer for Arabica Coffee.. I have been growing mine for 7years, they dont like the winter & leaves can drop & new shoots shrivel, they dont like the extreme sun either.. they enjoy climates between 10 - 30 celcius. (Indoors is PERFECT in Adelaide!!!) I have Arabica & Amarelo (Burbon Coffee - Yellow beans) Where in Adelaide are you Mario? i am in the Far Northern Suburbs areas, close to Virginia. Did you purchase your Coffee plant from Daleys? | About the Author James Adelaide 25th November 2008 8:23am #UserID: 1638 |
|||||||||
Anonymous says... Hi James, Nice to know someone in Adelaide has been successfully grown coffee-particularly where it can get frosty I am at Largs North, 100 metres from the beach. So all I have to worry about is wind, cold and salt. My plant has survived the warm temperature yesterday, and the new shoot is getting larger, so it probably was the heat that was shrivelling the shoot. I got my plant frm Daleys Thanks for your advice Mario | About the Author Anonymous Adelaide 25th November 2008 9:08am #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Mario Dont worry too much about the climate, melbourne is colder than winter and mine are fine. They have suffered a bit of damage as i was in Europe for 2 and a half months and got back at the start of this month but that was because of not enough water. Coffee trees seem to be much hardier than most people think. I fertilize my trees with seasol and their brand of liquid fertilizer once a week (once every 2 weeks is probably enough but they respond well to it) and that works very well, my coffee trees were growing really well last year without much problems really. they were fine during the really hot days too, i just made sure to water them in the late afternoon. As long as you keep them well watered, fertilized and keep them under filtered light im sure they will be fine. (once they get bigger they can be in full sun but they still prefer filtered). Regards Steven
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 25th November 2008 4:30pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Mario 25th November 2008 7:44pm #UserID: 1668 |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Mario Haha i cant wait for my first homemade coffee either. But i think it will still be a couple of years for me. Thanks, the tree did look really good last year. this year i looks a little sick as i was in Italy september and october but its picking up now. Let me know how you coffea turns out Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 26th November 2008 8:11am #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
jack says... read online (nestle) that a average coffee tree will only produce 500gm a year of coffee, ie 500gm after you roast and grind it. am thinking of growing a couple trees, but that is a very low return for the effort and years you put into it, but also am sceptical as nestle makes nescafe and maybe trying to deter people growing their own. does anyone have a idea of how much ready to use coffee one gets per tree per year? | About the Author jack calingiri w.a 26th November 2008 10:10am #UserID: 1671 |
|||||||||
Mario says... Hi Jack, I have no doubt that growing your own coffee is probably not cost effective. However, I doing it for the pleasure of it. I love making curries, so I decided to grow my own Curry tree. Three years later, it is 2 metres high, healthy, and I succesfully progated the seeds into new plants. The challenge of growing the tree, producing new plants with little or no advice, through trial and error has made it worth while. Not only that, it is a good looking tree and gives me fresh leaves for curries ! I will keep this forum informed on how my coffee turns out. Mario P.S. Apart from Abrica, K7 and Catui does anyone know what else is available, (James mentioned Amarelo) how do they differ and where to get them ??? | About the Author Mario Adelaide S.A 26th November 2008 9:19pm #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 4th December 2008 8:18pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra QLD 5th December 2008 8:28pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Jack i would be very skeptical about what nestle says about coffee production. Ive read many times from coffee producers that coffee trees are very hard to grow and need just the perfect conditions to grow or they will die/wont fruit etc. They also all say its very difficult to process your own raw coffee. My coffee trees are growing quite well and dont seem hard to grow. and many people have had great success with them producing fruit. I think they are just trying to deter people. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 7th December 2008 9:06pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Correy says... Thanks Sandy, I tried it again but this time I burnt them. I am having fun learning though. Matt: You can expect the coffee trees to flower many times. Can you take some pics for us and put them on here. Steve... Yes growing them is prety easy it is roasting them that is hard. The fruit starts about 2 years after planting but it isn't until about 5 years that you get your big crops. However if you have a coffee a day you do really need 5-15 coffee trees in the ground to give you a year round supply. You can store the beans dehusked and green and then just roast them as you need them. | About the Author Correy Brisbane 11th December 2008 9:14am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Matt says... Hi Everyone, The pictures i've promised are now hopefully attached. Some of our main lower branches are beginning to shoot new limbs which i don't believe i should allow due to the weight done the track. If you can let me know on this one as i'm unsure i'd be appreciative. Happy coffee growing. Matt
| About the Author Matt Keperra QLD 13th December 2008 10:43pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Jantina Mt. Gambier S.A. 13th December 2008 11:02pm #UserID: 1351 |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Everyone Those pictures look good Matt and your plants look healthy. i hope one day mine will look like that. At the moment they are all quite small. Hi Correy I have never produced coffee before but i have fermented, processed etc things plenty of times before so im hoping roasting them is just one of those things that takes a little care and effort. I don't think it would be too difficult once you've done it a couple of times. You can buy coffee roasting machines over the internet for a few hundred dollars (i think ive seen them on ebay) for home use. But they arent cheap and i dont know how well they work. Regards Steven. | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 17th December 2008 9:48pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
trikus says... I am going to try mixing some of my green beans half'n'half with Harris Espresso and taste .. With all this hype about the benefits of green coffee.. will save roasting them .. Seems to be very hard to buy green beans away from the big smoke . Lucky it grows so well . I found a large 2m bush behind all the weeds on the other side of my back fence . All cleaned up , and fence pulled down , ready to harvest soon . | About the Author trikus Tully 18th December 2008 1:56pm #UserID: 930 |
|||||||||
Matt says... Hi Everyone, It took a few attempts to get the growing conditions just right. When planting i dug the holes larger and deeper than usual. I then added several heaped handfuls of river stones mixed with a good soil to help for future drainage. It also helps the root system establish as we have a heavy clay base. Around the trees i have red cyprus mulch (i think it's red cyprus) and they are in a sheltered position to protect from any wind. Now we water weekly and occasionally we add a liquid fertilizer. Over the weekend i'll load some pics of the beans as they are now as we are very excited with our first crop!! | About the Author Matt Keperra 18th December 2008 7:53pm #UserID: 0 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 21st December 2008 8:33pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Mario says... I thought I would update on how my coffee plant is going since I last spoke about new shoots being shriveled up in my original post. Well sun damage was the cause of the problem. Looking at the attached photo you can see how well it looks now particularly with regular fertilizing. Note, the two large leaves at the bottom of the photo (left one has a split) are the new shoots in the photo comparsion I did to the shrivelled one in the original post !, look at them now) Regards Mario
| About the Author Mario Adelaide 28th December 2008 10:09am #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 2nd January 2009 11:29pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Mario Adelaide 10th January 2009 12:51am #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Mario Adelaide 10th January 2009 12:51am #UserID: 1668 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 22nd January 2009 4:04pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 27th January 2009 8:16am #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Tran VIC 27th January 2009 8:42am #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Matt says... Hiya's, Our coffee beans are just turning from a deep green to a lighter colour. It's vey exciting! The question i have is. The leaves on the branches of the trees are also turning yellow. Any ideas??? In SE Qld we've had decent rain lately and the trees are well mulched so any assistance you have is grealy appreciated. Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 20th March 2009 8:50pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Matt how are you. You'll probably find that as long as the trees are under filtered light then the problem will most likely be that they need a little fertilizer. put a couple of handfuls of dynamic lifter or something of the sort around the base of each tree and the problem will most likely go away. a little seasol every couple of weeks helps them alot too. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 1st April 2009 6:57pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 1st April 2009 7:52pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Zach says... Hello all, I recently purchased a coffee plant that is about a foot tall. I kept it inside for some time but recently moved it outside into a bigger pot. The plant was pretty healthy with only some leave tips browning. However a couple of days after I moved it outside I noticed that a lot of the leaves turned this orange brown color on top, but are still green underneath. Does anyone know what causes this? | About the Author Zach Houston 17th April 2009 9:28am #UserID: 2202 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Zach Can you post a picture of your tree, that way it would be easier to see what the problem is. its most likely that youve put the tree in full sun. Coffee trees naturally grow under the forest canopy of the African jungle so they are used to semi to full shade. Semi shade (such as the shade you get from under a tree) is best. Once the tree is bigger and more mature you can put it in full sun which apparently make it more productive, but it degrades the health of the tree. Coffee trees like low light, lost of water and lots of natural fertilizer. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 18th April 2009 6:36pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Sandy melbourne, Victoria 24th April 2009 8:37pm #UserID: 281 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Jordan Toowoomba 31st May 2009 1:14pm #UserID: 2410 |
||||||||||
trikus says... Roasted coffee beans vary in price from $20 to nearly $100 per kg depending on origin and quality . Jamaican Blue Mountain or a good Columbian can cost much more . But the stuf you grow at home can save you a fortune . Here a dwarf bush loaded with beans growing in full sun next to a turmeric clump getting ready to go dormant .
| About the Author trikus Tully 1st June 2009 8:41am #UserID: 930 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 1st June 2009 9:27am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Ken 2nd July 2009 10:05am #UserID: 2516 |
||||||||||
Bernie says... I have 3 K7 plants that are about 3 years old. I am in the middle of my first harvest and was wondering if there is an easy way to de-husk the beans. I fermented the beans in water and dried them but the most time consuming part is the husking. Does anyone have any suggestions or hints to make the de-husking easier? | About the Author Bernie Sunnybank, QLD 6th July 2009 9:33am #UserID: 2524 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 10th July 2009 8:16pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Correy Brisbane 11th July 2009 4:36pm #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 27th July 2009 8:00pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
amanda says... Has anyone tried Stress-guard for wind-burn? I have never used it myself and don't know what it's made of...but i was wondering if there may be some use in it/something similar, for the bad winds and sensitive plants? Matt - what's your August wind? (ie: hot/cold, north/south/east/west?) | About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 29th July 2009 6:38pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 29th July 2009 8:46pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
amanda says... Hi Matt n all.. sorry - it's called DroughtShield - also claims to help protect against light frosts. I looked up the safety data sheet and it checks out fine so I got some to try. I am going to use it on my more sensitive plants when the Beasterly (hot, hot wind) arrives - it claims to last up to 90 days... I am going to try a home-made one using aloe vera juice - who knows - it may just work!? :) | About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 3rd August 2009 7:00pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Sandy says... Hi everyone, I have been ill last 2 weeks with the flue! A lot down this way. I have no fruit on my trees , at all, my Lime tree, which is a Tahitian Lime, planted in my front garden, in lawn, gets small limes, then they seem to drop off. I have given it citrus food, at the right time, pruned off dead branches etc, but no fruit. it had about 4 the first time, after 2 years, then nothing! It faces the east, gets full sun. Any one got any suggestions? | About the Author Sandy Melbourne, Victoria 8th August 2009 5:39pm #UserID: 281 |
|||||||||
| About the Author JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE Melbourne 8th August 2009 6:42pm #UserID: 2706 View All JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
culebra says... Hi Sandy, My Tahitian lime also failed to thrive here. It is coming back Ok now after some TLC. have heard that Tahitian lime are more suited to warmer climates so that could be one factor. my friend grows Tahitian & kaffir limes very well in ground in melb of which i am jealous. he has found the perfect location, a warmer microclimate-- in front of a brick wall facing north and shielded from the wind. I would have to agree with JUJUBE.. try to keep the water up to it in the upcoming warmer months (start now). i notice you mention that it is located in a lawn, i'd say you should clear any grass and weeds from the vicinity of the trunk to distance of at least 1m, preferably more. feed it and prune off any gall from the branches if any present, just saying i have found this particular one to be very suceptible to this pest. also check for scale and other pests. good luck and get well soon. | About the Author culebra Melbourne 8th August 2009 9:10pm #UserID: 2458 |
|||||||||
| About the Author rus Perth NOR 10th August 2009 3:16pm #UserID: 1968 |
||||||||||
culebra says... I had never even thought of growing Coffee in Melbourne. Sounds like an interesting endeavour. I'll partake if i find a tree for sale. i believe i recall seeing a few plants in gardenworld but that was a fair while ago. anyone know any local sources? Steven i am very impressed by your coffee plants. They are soo incredibly vibrant green. TFS | About the Author culebra Melbourne 11th August 2009 6:51pm #UserID: 2458 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Culebra how are you Thanks. they are a lovely tree, i water mine frequently during the summer and fertilize often and they grow very well. I bought one from Beasley's Nursery on old warrandyte road a couple of years ago and the rest on daleys. I found daleys was cheaper. Hopefully mine flower soon Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 14th August 2009 6:24pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Sandy says... Hi calebra and jujube, I'll try weeding , and fertilising, as well as watering, using rain water or grey. like to grow a bit more citrus, but not sure where to plant, as space is limited. I have a brick wall in backyard, facing south, but gets a LOT of summer heat! Might try dwarf citrus maybe? | About the Author Sandy Melbourne, Victoria 15th August 2009 8:28pm #UserID: 281 |
|||||||||
| About the Author JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE Melbourne 15th August 2009 8:38pm #UserID: 2706 View All JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Sandy, Citrus trees are very easy to grow and you can grow then quite easily from a cutting, they do like a bit of fertilizer every now and then and arent too bad with water, but do like some during the hot weather. Plant whatever variety and type you would prefer. They are prone to gall wasp which causes swelling of the branches, which is good to remove and throw away but i dont think is too destructive on a well established tree. Citrus trees will grow easily in melbournes conditions as long as they get a few hours of sun a day at least. The spot your talking about which gets alot of summer heat would be great for a blood orange as they like hot dry summers to develop their beautiful, flavour and red colour. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 20th August 2009 6:28pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
amanda says... Here is a good link for u Sandy.. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/citrus/management/nutrition/nutrition | About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 20th August 2009 9:26pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi everyone Does anyone know what would cause a seemingly healthy looking coffee tree to suddenly droop all its leaves and start dying. I have 4 coffee trees which up until about a month ago all looked quite healthy and are coping very well during winter suddenly one has started to droop its leaves and begin to turn brown for no apparent reason, the new growth at the tips of the branches has also started to die back. All the other coffee trees look quite healthy and nothing i do seems to help pick the sick one up. Thanks Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 24th August 2009 5:09pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
trikus says... Steven , your coffee might have got a bit of cold burn , was it more exposed than others ? One easy way to dehusk , is after beans have dried well , just run them through a blender , they beans are so hard the husks are cut of easily . Just winnow outside on a windy day , or put a pedestal fan in place to blow husks away . | About the Author trikus Tully 24th August 2009 6:40pm #UserID: 930 |
|||||||||
amanda says... Hi Steven...I'd be tempted to gently dig down to the roots of that tree and make sure they are white n healthy (not brown n dead looking), that it's not waterlogged, collar rot, bugs, fungi etc. It may be worth treating for a root rot anyway - nothing to loose except the tree if u don't? I have 20 groundcover plants called Grevillia criminthifolia..all treated the same and awhile ago 2 died for no reason that I can fathom...sometimes gardening is like that!?? It might help to post a photo of the sick one (and one of the healthy ones) if u can.. | About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 24th August 2009 10:17pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Amanda, sorry for the later reply, ive taken a few photo's of the coffee trees, there is one to the left behind one of the coffee trees which is a bit hard to see, but as you can see the rest are quite healthy and havent suffered at all (other than a few marks on the tips of their leaves) from winter but the sick one has lost all its leaves and i dont know why, im hoping it will grow back soon. Thanks Steven
| About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 5th September 2009 6:02pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
amanda says... Hi Steven - yes it's a sick puppy allright :( all I can suggest is the stuff above - might be worth taking it out of the plastic bag and having a good look (the repot after) - you should be able to see the root system easily then. It can't be the cold as the others are fine. None of your mates might have taken a leak on it at your last wild party perhaps!??? :)))) | About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 5th September 2009 8:45pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Bernie says... Steven, I originally had 5 coffee trees and 2 died. I couldn't work out what had happened as three of the trees were perfectly healthy. I had a dig around the root system of the dead tree and there were about 50 'curl grubs' around the base so I attributed the death of the tree to them. I did a bit of research that suggested that the grubs will eat tree roots along with composting vegetable matter. I hope you work out a solution to your problem. Good luck. Bernie | About the Author Bernie Sunnybank, QLD 6th September 2009 10:06am #UserID: 2524 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi everyone. Thanks for your help, i might treat it with a root rot/pesticide and hopefully it picks up, it hasnt gotten better or worse in the past couple of weeks so that is kind of a good sign, ill have a look around at the roots and hopefully ill find the problem. Thanks for your help Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 7th September 2009 6:43pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author russ perth NOR 17th November 2009 2:38pm #UserID: 1968 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Speedy Nth Vic 18th November 2009 12:38am #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
| About the Author russ perth NOR 18th November 2009 5:32pm #UserID: 1968 |
||||||||||
Birdy says... Just bought four little arabica coffee trees and I'm trying to work out where to plant them. I could keep them in our sunroom/ greenhouse, or I'm contemplating planting them next to the house. We have a fabulous strip there which gets full sun, and a lot of reflected warmth from the house bricks during the winter. I was concerned about the arabica's root systems though. I've heard they can be quite large and I think I'll keep them in pots if they are going to cause a problem with the house. Does anyone have any suggestions / reccomendations? Cheers, Birdy. | About the Author Birdy Blue Mountains 20th November 2009 7:18pm #UserID: 3023 |
|||||||||
M Nash says... I back onto rainforest where probably K7 but definatly arabica type plants grow in weed proportions. They grow in understory to mid story (20 feet). Because they are shade grown, The caffeine content is sky high. So much so that I have to blend it down with various bought green beans just to get a coffee with a strong kick and not a coffee with a hart attack. They grow like crazy in dappled light and rainforest type floor soil. Hope that might help. | About the Author M Nash Terranora 21st November 2009 2:06am #UserID: 2892 View All M Nash's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Birdy says... Hi Nash, Thanks for your response! Still a bit confused, mainly because of the conflicting recommendations for planting coffee (sun vs shade etc). We have 3 acres of mostly bush land but I was concerned about trying them closer to the bush because of the possibility of them "going feral" so to speak in the adjacent national park- your experience seems to suggest this is likely :) I've always wanted to try growing my own coffee trees so I hope I can figure it out. | About the Author Birdy Blue Mountains 21st November 2009 11:01am #UserID: 3023 |
|||||||||
Correy says... Birdy, a semi-shaded position would be fine but the most important thing is protection from the wind and also if you get frost that would be hard one them. I am not sure but I doubt that coffee would be a weed in the blue mountains but up where nash is from in terranora where the conditions are more perfect they can be a problem. Also Nash is right the ones I roasted that I grew was the strongest cup I have had. All famous coffees mix beans rather then just using the one bean from the one tree as each bean has a strength and weakness. It is the blend that makes it great. | About the Author Correy Woolloongabba, QLD 21st November 2009 11:41am #UserID: 3 View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Birdy I agree with everyone else too, coffee originate in ethiotpia and the surrounding areas in the mountains where they grow under the canopy which is why filtered light is good for them. If you plant them in full full you will quickly notice that the leaves will start to burn. I have my coffee trees under and old swing with some shade cloth over it and even still they get some afternoon sun and the leaves on the west side of the plants are a bit burnt so im going to move them to their old positions soon. The reason why you have been told to put them in full sun is probably because many coffee farms grow their trees in full sun....once they grow big enough they can be grown in full sun but it puts the trees under stress and initially increases their yield span but reduced their life span. Most farms these days care more about quantity rather than quality which is sad. Coffee trees are tropical trees so there would not be a problem with them becoming weeds in your area. In fact you should give them some sort of protection during winter, especially when they are small. regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 24th November 2009 6:48pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Matt says... Hi Everyone, Haven't been in here for awhile but currently our trees don't look to good. They are yellowing quite extensively. They've just finished a bumper crop and have flowered so i suspect that has taken a bit out of the trees. I am probably wrong though! I water them quite a bit as Brisbane at the moment is very hot and they are mulched very well. I have also just recently given them a dose of complete fertilizer to try and give them a kick start. They are in full sun and are bordering 2m but in general they do well where they are. Any suggestions for our yellowing issues?? I'll try to add pics over the weekend. Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 11th December 2009 10:03pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 11th December 2009 10:05pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Steven says... Hi Matt how are you. If the leaves a yellowing it can be an indication of an iron or magnesium deficiency, epsom salts will help with the Mg problem and im sure you can buy iron ore from nurseries or hardware stores sell it to stain concrete, one brand is called oxide. However the fact that it is in full sun might be the cause of the problem. You say its been very hot and sunny lately and the tree you believe may have been weakened from the crop its produced. Coffee tree need to be grown under filtered light, they naturally grow under the canopy of the ethiopean jungle. If they are healthy and strong they can grow in full sun . but its not good for them. I would say thats the problem. Its been quite hot and sunny and the trees are stressed because of it. Give them shade and the should jump back up. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 12th December 2009 6:24pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Matt says... Hi Steve, Thanks for the advice. I'll have a look for some epsom salts in the next few days and give them a hit. Unfortunately i can not offer the trees any shade as the position the stand is in is in full sun. That said the trees have been there since they were 20cm in height and this is the first time they have yellowed like this. If anyone has any other ideas i'm open to further suggestions. Cheers Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 12th December 2009 10:29pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Matt how are you Yeah try that and give them a good layer of mulch and compost or organic fertilizer and hopefully that will help. Coffee trees can grow in full sun but it is not good for them and it will stress the trees, making them more prone to problems such as what your having now or anything really. i would recommend even planting some fast growing trees around them so that they will provide them with shade in the near future. Regards Steven PS. i think my coffee trees are starting to flower :) | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 18th December 2009 7:20pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... My coffee trees flowers have started to open!! the trees are full of flowers but only a few have opened at the moment. It may not have enough time to produce good fruit but still its a good sign. The mango trees flowers set and fruit started to develop but a few day ago it dropped them. But no big deal, even stone fruits do that when they are young. I was surprised it even flowered as its still a small and young tree, so the fact that it flowered is a good sign! Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 17th January 2010 9:33pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author amanda Geraldton. WA 17th January 2010 11:10pm #UserID: 2309 View All amanda's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Bojan says... Hi, i have some similar problems with my coffee tree. described here: http://www.survivalistboards.com/showpost.php?p=1214197&postcount=19 Any suggestions? Thanks! Bojan | About the Author Bojan EU 19th January 2010 1:33am #UserID: 3265 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Amanda, thanks alot. No i didnt end up figuring out what was wrong with that one, i was hoping it would pick up as the trunk was still green for a while but it died a few months ago....ohh well, i think something poisoned it because it happened so quickly. The others look good the flowers have fallen off now and small berries are just starting to develop, hopefully it goes into full bloom, but might not because its developing very slowly. Bojan the problem with the coffee tree on that site seems to be to be either a magnesium or iron deficiency (the leaves are yellow but the veins are still green). Personally i would prefer fertilizing it with chicken pellets or something similar, synthetic fertilizers kill bacteria in the soil and can burn the trees roots and leaves. also water it every two weeks with seasol, that always helps to pick them up. In terms of the deficiency, epsom salts (which is magnesium sulphate) can be found at any supermarket and is great for a magnesium deficiency, and iron you should be able to get iron oxide from a nursery, or even the local hardware store sells it as a product called oxide which is used to stain concrete red. either sprinkle a little over the soil or dissolve them in a bucket and water the plant with it (dont know what happens if you overdose the tree with it though so dont over do it). just a tablespoon or two of each in 5 liters of water should be enough, do it once a week and see how it goes Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 19th January 2010 5:47pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Bob Weis says... Does anybody have experience in growing coffee outdoors in Southern Victoria? We started six Arabica in wine barrels and two have now died. Leaves turned yellow and the trees shrivelled. Of the other four three look healthy. They are more shaded from the sun and wind. Perhaps a clue? Any info would be much appreciated Bob | About the Author Bob Weis Victoria 6th April 2010 12:50pm #UserID: 3565 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Grant 6th April 2010 12:57pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Muzza says... My plants are going great and have produced the first lot of berries. I am waiting for them to turn red. I have some questions, especially for those who have experienced growing coffee in Adelaide. 1. My plants have gone through two winters without any problems. However, this is the first winter with berries. Will the cold effect the growth of the berries, either cause them to drop off, slow growth or prevent further budding altogether ? Should I move them into a greenhouse ? Note, there is no frost where I am. 2. My plants are in pots, so I have some control over their environment and 1.5 metres high. How can I limit their size , I suppose small pots or prunning ? 3. How may harvests do coffee plants produce ? Cheers Muzza
| About the Author Muzza Adelaide 9th April 2010 10:28pm #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Bob how are you. I would say your problem with the coffee trees is the sun, they prefer filtered light rather than full sun. and yes try to avoid strong winds etc. Have you just got your coffee trees? after a year or so they will climatise and you will notice they will become much more cold hardy. i keep mine outside and the only protection they have over winter is that fact that they are close to the house under an open pergola and they are always fine. feed them lots and make sure soil is moist and they will grow very well. Im in the same situation you are in muzza, all three of my coffee trees have berries on them now. one is looking great the other two are still good. personally i think that as long as you dont get frost on them i doubt they will die off if they are already developing as long as the trees arent under alot of stress or are in an area with alot of frost. what im going to do is put the largest coffee tree i have inside in a nice pot (more for ornamental reasons) and see how the other two go outside. Coffee trees can have two harvests per year, however to do that you have to simulate two separate dry seasons which will stress the tree into fruiting. but i dont think this is possible in our corner of the world as the berries will take too long to develop for you to be able to have two crops a year. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 13th April 2010 10:41pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Sandy says... Hi Bob, I am in the south east of Melbourne, and Have just the 1 coffeeplant, in the lawn, it is getting new growth, but no coffee flowers or beans at all, and is over 2 years old. I have kept it sheltered during winter, as the frost tends to get things down here, lol, not funny. I look through my local flower power centre, over the road, to see what's in, and often get advice on plants I have. Never really seen any coffee plants though. Would like to get my owncoffee beans, one day! | About the Author Sandy melbourne's south east. 25th April 2010 4:15pm #UserID: 281 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Bob Melbourne 25th April 2010 6:30pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Rhys says... Hi Guys, I'm after some advice for re-potting my coffee plant. I am hoping to put it back in the same pot, as i don't want it to get too big and heavy (let me know if i am kidding myself and do need a bigger pot!). It is an arabica plant which i have had for 5 years or so, and was neglected for the first 3-4, but has really come good in the last year or so. It has probably been in its current pot for about 2 years. These are some of the things i'm wondering about: 1. Should i prune the plant prior to re-potting, and if so, how much? 2. Is there anything i should feed it or give it before hand? 3. Should i prune the roots at all, and if so, how exactly do you do this? 4. Is there any specific potting mix i should use, or will a good quality "standard" type suffice? Looks like a lot of keen coffee growers out there, and a wealth of info on this forum. I hope to get some flowers/beans of my own after rejuvenating the potting mix a bit, so i will appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks Rhys
| About the Author Rhys Newcastle 27th April 2010 8:28pm #UserID: 3112 View All Rhys's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Rhys how are you. not sure about pruning the roots but i know you can prune a coffee tree without much trouble. i found a website which may help you. http://www.thegardenhelper.com/coffee.html Personally i dont really like potting mix i find even the good quality ones arent much more than composting pine bark. I usually use top soil and mix in potting mix to make the soil drain better. a ratio of 5 parts top soil 3 parts potting mix and 2 parts aged compost it think would work well for you. Seasol if a good product that will help the tree after its been repotted, there if often too much nitrogen in fertilizers and the trees dont like that when under stress so seasol works great and promoting new growth. And sandy, i also read on the website above that the trees take up to six years to produce fruit so that may be why it hasnt fruited yet. | About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 10th May 2010 5:10pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hey everyone Does anyone know where to find cacao seedlings in melbourne. i tried growing some from seeds a couple of years ago but they didnt do very well and died last winter. Ive kind of given up growing tropical trees from seed i think its just too cold here when they start off. maybe ill try again when i build a greenhouse. But it would be great to get a couple of cacao trees. Thanks Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 10th May 2010 5:16pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
John Mc says... Hey Stephen, No wonder you have no success growing cacao. They only grow on or near the equator. Having said that, I have ten Cacao trees around one year old now in my hothouse. Ive been told to keep the temp above 7 deg min and that limit is getting very close now that winter is approaching. Looks like Ill be firing up the slow combustion stove in the hothouse very soon. To answer your question, keep an eye out on ebay, thats where I got mine. | About the Author John Mc 10th May 2010 6:38pm #UserID: 2743 View All John Mc's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... John that sounds like negative talk to me!!! :) So far ive had quite good success growing bananas, coffee, mango, pineapple and cinnamon in melbourne without a hot house. With that said however i have had very little success growing tropical trees from seeds or cuttings (besides the pinapples which i got from the tops of bought pineapples) and i have read that some people have had success growing them in environments where the temperature falls below 7C. i think the trick is (with all tropical trees) to either grow them in a hot house from seeds first or buy them already relatively mature and buy them in say october. that way they are much more able to climatise With that said however i know cacao are a bit more temperamental than other tropical trees. How big are your cacao trees, if you are willing i would love to trade/buy some off you once i have built my greenhouse (so far its 4 posts! ) regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 18th May 2010 12:26pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Matt says... Hiya's, In a spot of bother with our coffee trees. Unsure whether i'm loving them to death at the moment as it appears i've burnt the tips. Maybe too much fertilizer or the fact they have been in the full sun over summer. I have beautiful green leaves at the bottom and the top of the trees but the middle/body the leaves have dropped and the tips are black???? They are presented covered in berries also. I'll try and add pics over the weekend but if anyone has had similiar issues please let me know. Where in Brisbane. Cheers Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 20th May 2010 8:03pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Rhys says... My coffee tree pretty much always has some leaves that are a bit brown/black/yellow/dropping. I do find it happens more after hot sunny weather though, and often with the black bit you described. It does look a bit unsightly but i don't know that it adversely affects the tree at all, as it keeps sending out a lot of new growth. I haven't had any berries on mine, so not sure how it might affect fruiting/yield/taste etc? | About the Author Rhys Newcastle 20th May 2010 8:30pm #UserID: 3112 View All Rhys's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hi Matt how are you, you problem will most likely be the fact that its been in full sun through summer. Coffee trees prefer filtered light as they naturally grow underneath the forest canopy. they can tolerate full sun but it puts them under stress (as yours has shown). Put it where it gets filtered light and give it some seasol. I hope this helps. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 21st May 2010 6:28pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author M Nash Terranora Northern NSW 21st May 2010 11:41pm #UserID: 2892 View All M Nash's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Matt says... Hiya's, The first pics are our main stand of trees. Damaged middle and green tops. They are on the second yield at present and the damage is greater this year than last. But the second set are our smaller stand and i guess they are more protected and have just started to bear fruit. Both rows are heavily mulched with red cyprus and get more than enough water (even in the dryest times in Brisbane). Anyway it's easier to see with pics so i have fish based fert and a complete all round slow release. I'll keep going with this but if anyone has any other advice i'm more than happy to discuss. Cheers Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 23rd May 2010 9:13pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 23rd May 2010 9:21pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 23rd May 2010 9:24pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 23rd May 2010 9:25pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 24th May 2010 8:48pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 24th May 2010 8:51pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 25th May 2010 10:40am #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author Matt Keperra 28th May 2010 8:59pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
| About the Author John Mc 1st June 2010 6:11pm #UserID: 3496 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Steven Eastern Suburbs 3rd June 2010 10:59pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
||||||||||
Matt says... Hiya's, I've been picking my berries and i've noticed i have a small grub attacking some clumps of berries. They appear to be sucking the life out of the berries and drying them out and turning them black. It is very indiscriminate in which clumps of berries it targets. First time for this grub so if anyone has any advice??? Cheers Matt | About the Author Matt Keperra 8th June 2010 7:36pm #UserID: 1105 View All Matt's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
Steven says... Hey matt, i think ive got the same problem with my coffee berries. i put the tree inside now and it was covered in aphids so i hosed it down like mad and thats seemed to pretty much stop them but alot of the smaller berries are turning black drying up and falling off, im thinking maybe its the trees way of thinning out the fruit as its a young tree and only keeping the best fruit on the tree but i dont know what it is either. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 9th June 2010 12:55pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
| About the Author huhu china 22nd June 2010 3:08am #UserID: 3840 |
||||||||||
| About the Author Russ 22nd June 2010 12:53pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Muzza says... Hi Everyboby, My coffee plants are going well with the single digit temperatures we are having in Adelaide. However, I have a question. Has anyones coffee berries actally ripened yet ? My berries are getting bigger, but no change in colour yet. Harvest is suppose to be May-Aug, although I expect this for optimum growing conditions. | About the Author Muzza Adelaide 5th August 2010 8:14am #UserID: 1668 |
|||||||||
| About the Author Grant 5th August 2010 12:21pm #UserID: 0 |
||||||||||
Sandy says... My one lonely coffee tree, is looking a bit worse for wear. It's just not growing at all, even though it's had new leaves! it's in clay soil, with topsoil, and I've tried adding fertilisers of different types, also grew it in a pot first, now it just looks very sad, I think I will give up trying to get it going. It faces a westerly sun. it's height is around 18 inches tall. | About the Author Sandy melbourne 8th August 2010 4:51pm #UserID: 0 |
|||||||||
Steven says... Dont worry. its a tropical tree so it wont do much in winter. mine always look sad when winter comes around. once the weather gets warmer it will pick up. just remember to keep in under filtered light. If it really looks bad bring it inside. but it should be fine outside. Regards Steven | About the Author Steven Eastern Melbourne 17th August 2010 6:15pm #UserID: 704 View All Steven's Edible Fruit Trees |
|||||||||
