Where Does Coffee Grow Best?

If you are looking for the best coffee, then you need to know where it grows. Where does coffee grow best? Learn more below!

For a long time, coffee has been one of the top facilitators of conversation throughout the world. If you are like me, there is nothing better than catching up with a few friends over a delicious cup of coffee. A lot of people even decide to go out for coffee as a first date. At the same time, you might be wondering where coffee comes from. 

Where Does Coffee Grow Best?
Best coffee plants grow from equatorial regions

Where does coffee grow best? What type of conditions are required to produce the best coffee? Learn more about the optimal conditions for growing coffee below! 

What Conditions Are Needed to Grow Coffee?

For the most part, the best coffee comes from the equatorial regions in the world. Typically, this falls somewhere in between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Most important conditions required for a coffee tree to grow properly include: 

  • Warm temperature: First, there has to be a tropical climate. If the temperature is not warm, coffee is not going to grow properly. For example, Coffee Arabica is responsible for about 70 percent of coffee production throughout the world. The optimal temperature for growing Coffee Arabica is summer between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. 
  • No frost: Next, the coffee plant does not tolerate frost very well at all. Frost exposure for any coffee species can spell doom. This is one of the biggest reasons why coffee does not grow well outside of the equatorial region. 
  • Ample sunshine: In addition, the coffee plant requires a tremendous amount of sunshine. If coffee plants are placed in the shade, they are not going to grow well. Fortunately, tropical conditions include plenty of sunshine, providing the necessary energy for coffee plants. 
  • Plenty of water: Those who have spent time in the tropics know that if it is not sunny outside, it is probably raining. Fortunately, this is a nice balance for coffee plants, which require plenty of water in order to grow properly. 

If a coffee plant is exposed to these conditions, it is likely to grow well. Because all of these conditions are met along the world’s equatorial region, it should come as no surprise that some of the top coffee-producing countries in the world are found around the equator. 

What Are the Top Coffee Producing Countries in the World?

If you are still wondering, “where does coffee grow best,” there are several countries that you should note. Some of the top countries for producing coffee in the world include:

Where Does Coffee Grow Best?
Lake Toba, Indonesia known for its tropical climate
  • Brazil: Without a doubt, the top coffee producing country in the world is Brazil. Brazil produces twice as much coffee as the second-biggest producer, Vietnam. Not only is Brazil a large country but it also has a very tropical climate, making it perfect for producing coffee. 
  • Vietnam: Another country known for a tropical environment, Vietnam is second on the list. Even though it is a long way away from Brazil, it still sits near the equator, providing it with the right conditions for producing coffee.
  • Colombia: Colombia, another country located in South America, is also a major producer of coffee. With climate conditions similar to those found in Brazil, it should come as no surprise that Colombia is also known for producing coffee. 
  • Indonesia: A large group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia is well known for its tropical climate, making it a popular vacation destination for people all over the world. Its tropical climate also provides the perfect conditions for producing high-quality coffee. 

When it comes to coffee production, these are some of the top countries on the list. Even though there are plenty of other countries that also produce coffee, these countries are responsible for the majority of the coffee consumed throughout the world. 

Are There Any Parasites That Damage the Coffee Plant?

Unfortunately, coffee production is under threat due to climate change. Even though it is true that climate change itself is a threat to coffee production, the changing climate is also more conducive to a few pests that threatened the coffee plants on a regular basis. 

For example, the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, appears to be doing quite well under warm conditions. Unfortunately, it is causing a tremendous amount of damage to the coffee plant, destroying it to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars of lost crops per year. If something isn’t done about this past, it could spread and threaten coffee production worldwide. 

The Final Word on Where Does Coffee Grow Best?

Ultimately, these are a few of the most important points that you should keep in mind if you are trying to learn more about coffee growing conditions. In order for coffee to grow properly, it has to be exposed to a tropical climate. This means plenty of rain, ample sunshine, and warm temperatures.

In addition, the top countries for coffee production are all found somewhere around the equator. Make sure that you appreciate coffee, as changing global conditions could threaten coffee production in the near future.

FAQs: Where Does Coffee Grow Best?

Where did the first coffee plant come from?

The first coffee plant was believed to have been found in Ethiopia. From there, coffee spread to other countries, such as modern-day Kenya and Sudan. Ancient Islamic countries consumed coffee as part of their religious practices. Eventually caught on coffee spread to other parts of the world as well. 

How long do coffee plants live?

The vast majority of coffee plants grow for summer between 7 and 20 years before they are harvested. If they are left alone, it is not unusual for coffee plants to live for more than 100 years.

Author

  • David R

    Job experience includes extensive work as a teaching assistant, tutor, and guest lecturer and extensive employment in the healthcare field. Have published multiple research papers and numerous poster presentations on various healthcare research topics. Find David on WriterAccess.