Where to Buy Coffee Seeds to Grow Your Own Coffee Plants

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. About 64% of Americans drink coffee every day, with the average coffee drinker consuming around 3 cups per day. With coffee being such an integral part of many people’s daily routines, it’s no wonder that some coffee lovers are interested in growing their own coffee plants from seed.

If you want to grow your own coffee plants at home, the first step is figuring out where to buy coffee seeds While you may be able to find coffee seeds at your local garden center, your best bet is to shop online where there are more seed varieties available. In this article, we’ll go over the best places to buy coffee seeds online and provide tips for growing your own coffee plants at home.

Where to Buy Coffee Seeds Online

The internet opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to sourcing coffee seeds Here are some of the best online retailers to buy coffee seeds from

Eden Brothers

Eden Brothers is one of the top online suppliers of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds. They offer an Arabica Coffee seed variety perfect for home growing.

Some key details about Eden Brothers’ coffee seeds:

• Origin is Tanzania
• Open pollinated
• Packet contains ~31 seeds
• Takes 120-365 days to mature
• Can yield red and white coffee beans

Eden Brothers provides excellent planting instructions for their coffee seeds as well. This makes them a great source for any gardener looking to try their hand at growing coffee for the first time.

Amazon

Amazon carries a wide selection of coffee seeds from various sellers. There are over a dozen options to choose from, representing species like Coffea Arabica, Coffea Canephora (Robusta), and Coffea Liberica.

Some things to look for when buying coffee seeds on Amazon:

• Reputable seller with good reviews
• Details on coffee species and origin
• Number of seeds included
• Whether seeds are raw or roasted
• Price – can range from $2 for a small pack of seeds to $20+

One of the most popular options is a pack of 10 Coffea Arabica seeds sourced from Ethiopia, for around $7.

The benefit of Amazon is the wide selection, user reviews, and fast shipping if you have Prime. Just be sure to thoroughly vet sellers before purchasing.

Specialty Coffee Seed Suppliers

There are a handful of specialty retailers that exclusively sell coffee seeds and plants. These companies focus on supplying seeds to home growers and commercial coffee producers.

Some well-known specialty suppliers include:

• Coffee Plant Nursery – Sells over 100 coffee plant varieties
• Greenhouse Seeds Co – Carries unique heirloom coffee cultivars
• Coffee Seed Store – Retailer providing education on home coffee growing

Specialty vendors are a good option if you want more choices in terms of coffee species, origins, and cultivars. They often provide the most detailed product descriptions and growing instructions.

International Sellers

For a truly unique coffee growing experience, you can source seeds straight from sellers in coffee-producing countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Some reputable exporters include:

• Café de Colombia – Online store ships worldwide from Colombia
• Jimma Agricultural Research Center – Sells seeds in Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee
• Indonesian Coffee Store – Retailer specializing in locally-sourced Indonesian coffee seeds

Purchasing directly from sellers located within coffee-growing regions can provide the freshest seeds. However, shipping times and costs may be higher.

No matter where you choose to buy coffee seeds online, be sure to look for detailed information on coffee species, origin, number of seeds per pack, and growing instructions. This will set you up for success!

Coffee Plant Growing Guide

Once you’ve got your coffee seeds, it’s time to get growing! Here’s a quick guide to successfully cultivating coffee plants at home:

Sprouting the Seeds

Coffee seeds have a quite hard outer shell, so need a few steps to help them germinate:

• Remove the outer shell – Use pliers or vice grips to carefully crack open the shell. Don’t damage the seed inside.
• Soak in water – Place seeds in room temp water for 1-2 days to soften. Change water daily.
• Plant – Put seeds in starter soil or damp paper towel. Keep moist and warm.
• Germination – Can take 2 to 8 weeks. Monitor soil moisture.

Caring for Seedlings

• Place in bright, indirect sunlight
• Keep soil moist but not soaked
• Repot every few months as plant grows
• Ideal temperature is 65°F – 75°F

Transplanting Outdoors

• Gradually expose to partial sun 1-2 weeks before transplanting
• Transplant after last frost when plant is 6” – 12” tall
• Space plants 4’ – 6’ apart
• Need nutrient rich, well-draining soil

Continued Care

• Require consistently warm temps – grow best in zones 10 and up
• Need daytime temps of 65°F – 85°F
• Will not survive temps below freezing
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer

Harvesting

• Plants will flower and produce coffee cherries 2-3 years after germination
• Cherries ripen 6 to 9 months after flowering
• Pick cherries when they turn bright red
• Process cherries immediately after harvest

Growing coffee from seed requires time and diligence, but the reward of brewing coffee from your own plants makes it worthwhile!

Tips for Buying and Growing Coffee Seeds

If you want to embark on the journey of raising your own coffee plants, keep these key tips in mind:

• Seek out reputable seed sources and verified sellers when buying online. Reviews from past buyers can help identify quality vendors.

• Select an appropriate coffee species and variety for your climate. Some are better suited for indoor growing than others.

• Understand proper sprouting methods. Coffee seeds have a protective outer husk that must be removed before planting.

• Be prepared to care for plants daily. Watering, fertilizing, pruning and monitoring for pests takes consistent effort.

• Have reasonable expectations on yield. A single home-grown plant yields 1⁄2 to 2 pounds of processed beans per year.

• Start more seeds than you think you’ll need. Germination rates vary, so extra seeds ensures you’ll have viable plants.

• Provide warm temperatures year round, especially at night. Look into greenhouses, heat lamps or grow lights if needed.

• Transplant outdoors when there is no chance of frost. Freeze damage can kill coffee plants.

• Harvest and process coffee cherries immediately after picking for best flavor. Drying, husking and roasting are required.

Growing coffee from seeds is an extremely rewarding, hands-on experience. With the right seeds, equipment and effort, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in freshly roasted, home-grown coffee beans. What are you waiting for? Order some coffee seeds online today and start cultivating your own coffee paradise!