How to Germinate Green Coffee Beans

Overview

The coffee plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Coffee plants produce bright red "cherries," which contain the coffee beans. The green coffee beans are seeds that you can germinate to produce a new coffee plant. Green coffee beans are difficult and slow to germinate, so be sure to start with at least 10 beans to increase your odds of getting one to germinate properly and grow into a coffee plant. Thankfully, after you get a green coffee bean to germinate and sprout into a plant, the coffee plant is easy to grow.

Step 1

Soak the green coffee beans in water for about 24 hours. Remove only the beans that have developed a small, white bump on their ends and discard the others.

Step 2

Fill 4-inch planter pots that have drainage holes in the bottom with lightweight potting soil mixed with vermiculite. Plant two seeds in each pot, with the flat side down and about 1 to 1 ½ inches deep into the potting mix.

Step 3

Water the planter pots until you see the water draining from the bottom drainage holes. Spread clear plastic wrap over the pots.

Step 4

Place the pots in bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the air temperatures warm around the green coffee beans, around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5

Water the seeds lightly once every two or three days to keep the potting soil moist but not wet.