How to Grow Kentucky Coffee Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Kentucky coffee tree is a plant that is native to the eastern United States. The leaves of the kentucky coffee tree are large and have a dark green color. The flowers of the kentucky coffee tree are small and white. The fruit of the kentucky coffee tree is a small, dark brown nut.

How to Grow Kentucky Coffee Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Guilandina bonduc
  • Caesalpinia bonducella
  • Robinia pseudoacacia var. bonducella
  • Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'
  • Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis

Good to Know

  • The Kentucky coffee tree is a native species to the eastern United States.
  • It gets its name from the state of Kentucky, where it is the state tree.
  • The leaves of the tree are large and leathery, and the tree itself can grow to be over 100 feet tall.
  • The coffee tree produces small, darkbeans that are roasted and used to make coffee.
  • The tree is also used for lumber and pulp.
  • The coffee tree is under threat from a fungal disease called coffee rust.
  • The tree is also threatened by habitat loss and changing climate.
  • The Kentucky coffee tree is listed as a threatened species in the state of Kentucky.
  • The tree is protected in some areas, including parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • The coffee tree is being studied for its potential use in biofuels.

Planting Process

  1. For kentucky coffee tree, first step is to choose the area you want to plant the tree. Make sure to choose an area that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Once the hole is dug, place the root ball into the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Tamp down the soil around the base of the tree to secure it in place.
  5. Next, water the tree deeply to help settle the roots.
  6. Once the tree is planted, mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  7. Depending on the size of your tree, you may need to stake it to help keep it upright.
  8. Kentucky coffee trees are drought-tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered frequently. However, you should water your tree deeply once a week during the first growing season to help the roots establish.
  9. Fertilize your tree once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  10. Kentucky coffee trees are generally low-maintenance and don’t require pruning. However, you can prune your tree to shape it or remove any damaged or diseased branches.

The Soil

About soil condition, Kentucky coffee tree grows best in deep, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils, but it is quite tolerant of a wide range of soils. It also has excellent drought tolerance once it is established.

Light condition

So, like the other coffee trees, the Kentucky coffee tree requires a lot of sunlight in order to grow and produce beans. When grown in the wild, these trees can reach up to 30 feet tall, but when grown in a home garden they are typically much smaller. The tree likes full sun but can also tolerate partial sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to provide some afternoon shade to keep your tree from getting too much sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for a Kentucky coffee tree is important because the tree is native to warm climates. The tree will not survive in temperatures below freezing for extended periods of time. The best temperature range for a Kentucky coffee tree is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. The coffee tree is a native of the Arabian Peninsula and was first introduced to the United States in 1723. The coffee tree grows best in a warm, humid climate with well-drained soil. The coffee tree is relatively tolerant of drought and can survive in conditions as dry as 20% humidity. However, the coffee tree will not produce fruit in conditions of low humidity. The coffee tree needs a humid environment in order to thrive and produce coffee beans.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this family of plant is not very demanding. A good rule of thumb is to apply 1/2 pound of 8-8-8 fertilizer per year per foot of height. In early spring, before new growth begins, scratch the fertilizer into the top 1/2 inch of soil around the tree. Be careful not to get any on the trunk or branches. A root stimulator can be used when planting.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Kentucky coffee tree. Pruning helps to shape the tree and can also help to control its size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also a good idea to remove any branches that are rubbing against each other.

About Propagating

Propagation of Kentucky coffee trees is usually done by seed, which can be difficult to germinate. Scarification (removing the outer seed coat) can help improve germination rates. Seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have several true leaves. Trees can also be propagated by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the previous year's growth.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the type of growing conditions the plant experiences. However, on average, kentucky coffee trees grow about 3 feet per year. When grown in optimal conditions, kentucky coffee trees can grow up to 5 feet per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant areverticillium wilt, anthracnose, and canker. Verticillium wilt is a fatal disease that affects the tree's vascular system, causing the tree to wilt and eventually die. Anthracnose is a disease that affects the tree's leaves, causing them to blacken and fall off. Canker is a disease that affects the tree's bark, causing it to crack and peel.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Kentucky coffee tree regularly. It is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs water to survive and thrive.
  • Place your Kentucky coffee tree in an area that receives full sun. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to stay healthy.
  • Fertilize your Kentucky coffee tree every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
  • Prune your Kentucky coffee tree regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that could potentially harm your Kentucky coffee tree. Treat any problems immediately to prevent serious damage.
  • Harvest the beans from your Kentucky coffee tree when they are ripe.Pick them by hand or use a tool designed for the task.
  • Roast the beans from your Kentucky coffee tree before brewing them to make a delicious cup of coffee.
  • Store

Related Plants

  • Boogerbean plant (Boogerbean plant)
  • Bourbon's coffee plant (Bourbon's coffee plant)
  • Coffee plantation (Coffee plantation)
  • Chaparral coffee plant (Chaparral coffee plant)
  • Cup of joe plant (Cup of joe plant)
  • Java bean plant (Java bean plant)
  • Kona coffee plant (Kona coffee plant)
  • Mocha coffee plant (Mocha coffee plant)
  • Peruvian coffee plant (Peruvian coffee plant)
  • Zorro's coffee plant (Zorro's coffee plant)

Source:
Kentucky Coffeetree | Natural Resource Stewardship
Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) | Department of …
Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus Dioicus - academia.edu

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