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Special "requirements" for the growth environment of small-grain coffee

Published: 2026-08-20 Author: World Gafei

Last Updated: 2026/08/20, Small seed coffee is native to the lower part of the Ethiopian rainforest in northern Africa. The temperature is relatively low, with an average annual temperature of 20 degrees. The origin of medium-grain coffee is near the equator. Therefore, small seed coffee has stronger cold tolerance and wider adaptability than medium grain coffee. Medium-grain coffee requires a slightly higher temperature.

I. requirements for temperature

Based on the natural conditions of Yunnan, coffee planting areas should be selected where the annual average temperature is more than 18 degrees, the coldest monthly average temperature is more than 11.5 degrees, the monthly average temperature is less than 13 degrees within two months, and the extreme lowest temperature is above zero in general.

II. Requirements for altitude

Altitude is an important factor affecting the quality of coffee drinking. According to the measurement, the higher the altitude, the greater the acidity and the smaller the concentration. The hot area of Yunnan is similar to the geomorphology and climate of the origin and main producing areas, but the latitude is slightly higher and the heat is low. The productive cultivation should be 1000 meters above sea level, less than 600m in the eastern region, and generally not more than 1200 meters. Small seed coffee has weak disease resistance and is susceptible to rust when planted in high temperature and rainy areas at low altitude.

Third, the requirements for water conditions

Coffee has strong adaptability to water. In China, small-grain coffee is mostly distributed in the area with annual rainfall of 1100mm to 1600mm, and when the rainfall is more than 1250 mm, it is most suitable for growth and development if there is a certain amount of rainfall in flowering and young fruit stage. Small seed coffee has a certain ability to resist drought.

Fourth, the requirements for lighting

Coffee is a short-day plant, which is not tolerant to strong light and needs proper concealment. The requirement of concealment degree varies with different stages of growth and development and different varieties. At the same time, there are 3-4 hours of direct light every day, which has a good effect on the growth and fruiting of coffee. Small seed coffee is more light-resistant than medium-grain coffee, so the hidden problem of coffee should be adapted to local conditions.

Fifth, the requirements for wind

Coffee likes calm wind environment, typhoon and dry wind are disadvantageous to coffee growth and development. The wind force of more than 10 will blow down the plant, and the dry and hot wind will affect the flowering and fruiting. The wind in the hot area of Yunnan is relatively small, and the average wind speed is less than 1.5 meters per second, which is suitable for coffee habits. In some areas, there were several gusts in April and May at the turn of the drought and rainy season, which had little effect on coffee.

VI. Requirements for soil

Coffee is a shallow root crop, which requires loose, fertile, soil above 60cm and well drained soil. The pH value is between 6 and 6.5. The soil fertility in Yunnan planting area is medium, and coffee grows well on lateritic red soil with pH 6-7 and reddish brown soil in dry-hot valley.

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