Highland Coffee Tree (Coffea arabica "Himalaya") | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Coffea arabica "Himalaya"
• Danish names: Coffee plant, Arabica coffee, highland coffee
• English names: Arabica coffee plant, coffee tree

- Aromatic coffee plant from the highlands

Coffea arabica is the best-known and most widely cultivated coffee species in the world, accounting for the majority of global coffee production. The ‘Himalaya’ variant refers to plants grown in or originating from highland areas, where cooler temperatures and high humidity result in slower growth and often more aromatic beans.

The plant develops as an evergreen shrub or a small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and a dense, elegant growth habit. During the flowering period, small white flowers with an intense, jasmine-like scent are produced. After pollination, the well-known red coffee berries develop, which contain the two seeds – the coffee beans.

Cultivation and requirements

Coffea arabica thrives best in a bright location with light shade, as in nature it often grows under the protection of taller trees. It prefers:

• humus-rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil
• even watering during the growing season
• high humidity
• stable temperatures

The plant is not frost-tolerant and is grown in Denmark as an indoor or container plant. It can be kept outdoors in the summer months in a sheltered spot, but must be overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. The temperature should ideally be kept above 12–15 °C.

Growing from seeds

Coffee seeds lose their viability quickly and should be sown as fresh as possible. For best results, we recommend:

• soaking the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours
• sowing in a light, humus-rich, and well-drained soil mix
• a temperature of 22–28 °C
• keeping the soil evenly moist, but not wet

Germination typically occurs after 4–8 weeks, but can take longer. Young plants grow slowly at first and gradually develop the characteristic bushy shape.

Utility and collector value

Coffea arabica is one of the world's most important commercial crops and the source of classic coffee. In home cultivation, the plant is particularly interesting as an ornamental and collector's plant, where the glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and decorative red berries make it a highly attractive houseplant.

Although seedlings rarely reach full coffee production in pots, it is a fascinating experience to grow a real coffee plant entirely from seed.

Coffea arabica ‘Himalaya’ is an obvious choice for plant enthusiasts who wish to grow a classic and historically important utility plant from seed – an elegant tropical shrub with both botanical and cultural significance.

- Also available in a dwarf version