Hi, is it possible to grow coffee by the Texas gulf coast? (flowers, irrigate)

[functionofx]

Hi,
We live on a oceanfront lot, on the mainland across from Galveston but on the main land and would like to grow coffee. Is there any type that can live by the ocean in Texas? We get 0" of snow, and don't go below 32F. Has anyone had luck with this?

[elnina]

It's very difficult to grow coffee. The gulf climate is not favorable either. Coffee beans require a very specific temperature and humidity range, rainfall volume and soil type to grow successfully.
Please read this:
https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/0...s-grow-coffee/

However, if you create the similar environment in a greenhouse, you can grow coffee plant. Coffee plant likes to be in a shade, prefers temperatures in a range of 60 and 70 °F with high humidity.
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2016/...ee-farm-53131/

You probably could grow tea, though.
https://www.ehow.com/how_7020408_gro...ees-texas.html

[Zoisite]

I think it's unlikely at sea level and in salt air air conditions. It might grow successfully if you can grow it in a tight greenhouse that is carefully soil and climate controlled to provide exactly the year round tropical climate and high elevation conditions that coffee plants need. There's only one place in continental USA where there is a "sweet spot" where soil and climate conditions are suitable for coffee plants to be grown outdoors, and that is up in the Santa Barbara hills in California.

.

[functionofx]

Thank you both, it looks like a greenhouse is in my future.

[elnina]

Lots of work, little reward...

[steiconi]

Originally Posted by functionofx

Thank you both, it looks like a greenhouse is in my future.

one with shadecloth. Coffee loves afternoon shade.

[Asagi]

Yes, try it up against the southeast/east facing wall of your house. Galveston is just mild enough in the winter to toy with the idea/experiment. Unless you are on Tiki Island or the south shore of Moses Lake, most of Galveston will still run warmer than the mainland. Cold air from the north/northwest is moderated by Galveston Bay.

Coffee does not require high elevation or tropical conditions, cooler conditions are just more favorable for high quality coffee. It'll grow fine in lowland tropics or even a hot desert like Phoenix (if irrigated and shaded), but is more susceptible to insect pressure and disease (less of an issue in non-coffee growing areas). It can't tolerate frost (can form below 40F out in the open) and freeze (30-32F). Tree canopy, roof overhang, or patio cover can make a huge difference.

[Hemlock140]

I actually grew a Coffea arabica as a bonsai in the window of my office in Seattle. It got the afternoon sun, but only about 3-4 months of the year when not overcast or raining. When it produced blossoms I used a small paint brush to pollenate them, and it produced 6 beans. When ripe, I roasted them in a popcorn air-popper, ground them and made the world's smallest cup of coffee. It was a fun experience but it tasted pretty lousy. Coffee needs a tropical climate, and a lot of water. That's why Hawaii and Central America are good producers. Volcanic soil helps, as does elevation 3,000-5,000 feet. The combination of those conditions is rare, but for example, the best Columbian is grown at 5,000 feet.

[terracore]

I'm lucky enough to live in Hawaii where coffee grows like a weed.

You can get a dwarf tree and grow it indoors like a houseplant. If it doesn't have access to pollinators you will have to pollinate it by hand if you want coffee. Coffee flowers smell amazing. It's in the same family as Gardenia.

I've never seen coffee purposely grown in the shade, at least around here. It would result in a tree consuming its resources trying to get taller (where you can't pick the coffee) instead of using the energy to bush out nice and low to the ground.

I'm not sure where you'd buy it in Texas but around here I can sometimes find potted coffee trees that already have cherries on them so you don't have to wait 3ish years to drink a cup.

[BarefootDiabetic]

Cool topic


I just found
Grow Your Own Coffee Plant Kit (Pack of 2) http://www.amazon.com/Arabica-Comple.../dp/B08164FR1C