How many years does a coffee plant need to bear fruit?

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Three to four years after planting, a coffee plant bears its first fruit. It reaches full productivity after five to six years and then produces harvests for 20–30 years. Coffee is not a quick return. From seedling to first usable harvest, at least three years pass. During that time, the farmer invests labour, water, fertiliser, and care without generating any income. That's one reason why coffee farming is an economic risk in many regions. After the third year, the plant begins to bear cherries — few at first, then increasingly more. Full productivity is reached between the fifth and seventh year. From then on, a single coffee bush can yield 1–2 kg of cherries per season. After processing, drying, and roasting, that leaves roughly 250–500 g of roasted coffee — enough for about 20–40 cups. In good locations and with careful maintenance, a coffee plant can bear fruit for 20 to 30 years. Some farmers report plants over 50 years old that still produce — though with declining yield. In practice, plants are replaced by younger ones after 20–25 years or radically pruned ("stumping") to regrow. The long lead time also explains why coffee prices are so volatile. When the market price drops, farmers can't simply stop and start over next year. Three to four years of investment are sunk into every plant. Conversely, when demand rises, more coffee can't be produced quickly — the plants need their time. When guests at our café on Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg ask why specialty coffee costs more, I also explain the timeline: at least three years of growth before the plant produces a single cherry. Then a year of processing, transport, and roasting. The coffee in the cup is at least four years old — measured from the seedling. That puts every price difference into perspective. You'll find us at Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.

How many years does a coffee plant need to bear fruit?

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In practice at Green Wall Coffee

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