Coffee Tree Lifespan
The coffee tree can live up to 100 years, but the average lifespan is 20 to 30 years. It is a tropical tree grown for its seeds, called coffee beans, which are used to make coffee drinks and other products. The two main types are arabica and robusta. The best coffee grows in tropical climates with mild temperatures, shade, and ample rainfall.
Coffee Tree Fruit Production
Coffee trees start producing fruit, called cherries, around 3 to 5 years after being planted. The peak production period is usually between 7 and 20 years when the harvest is highest. After this peak, the yield and quality gradually decline. During its productive years, a healthy tree yields about 2,000 coffee cherries per year, equivalent to 1 pound of roasted coffee beans.
Coffee Tree Harvesting
Coffee cherries ripen 7 to 11 months after the flowers are fertilized. Coffee trees produce one main harvest per year. Some regions get two harvests. North of the equator harvest is September to March, and south it’s April to August. Some trees produce up to 8 pounds a year.
Factors Affecting Coffee Tree Productivity
Yield and quality decline after the peak production period of 7-20 years. Proper care can maintain output for about 40 years, but eventually, the tree dies.
Coffee Tree Cultivation
Coffee grows best in rich soil with mild temperatures, ample rainfall, and shade. Trees are kept pruned to 5-7 feet tall for easy harvesting.