Coffee Nursery Guide

Acknowledgment:
This guide is adapted from the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) PNG Coffee Handbook 2016. We have simplified the content for easier understanding by farmers.

1. Introduction

• Good coffee starts with healthy seeds and strong seedlings.
• Seedlings take 6–9 months to grow in the nursery before being planted in the field.
• Ready for field planting when seedlings have 2–3 pairs of main leaves.
• Start nursery operations early so seedlings are ready for the wet season.

2. Choosing a Nursery Site

Pick a place that is:

• Flat or gently sloping.
• Close to water.
• Away from cold air hollows.
• Well-drained (no waterlogging).
• Protected from strong wind and animals.
• Accessible for transporting seedlings.

Tip: Avoid large trees nearby and make sure the soil is rich and deep (pH 5–6).

3. Coffee Seeds

• Obtain seeds from approved varieties (e.g., Coffee Industry Corporation RGSD, Aiyura).
• Estimate the number of seeds needed based on:
  1 kg ≈ 4,500 seeds, 75% germination.
• Store seeds properly: cool (15°C) and dry (20% moisture) to last up to 2 years.
• Best to plant seeds soon to avoid poor germination.

4. Germination Beds

Coffee seeds can be germinated in soilbeds or sandbeds:

Soilbed

• Width 1 m, length 10–12 m, pathway 50–80 cm.
• Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil or sand + grass.
• Pros: cheap, retains moisture.
• Cons: higher risk of pests/diseases.

Sandbed

• Depth 8–10 cm sand, same dimensions as soilbed.
• Pros: faster germination, fewer root problems, fewer pests.
• Cons: more expensive, needs frequent watering.

Shade is crucial – use banana leaves, pitpit, kunai, or shade cloth.

5. Sowing Seeds

1. Remove seed husk.
2. Soak seeds for 12 hours.
3. Water bed before sowing.
4. Plant seeds flat side down, 2 cm apart, rows 5 cm apart.
5. Cover with soil/sand + 2–3 cm grass.
6. Water lightly.

Germination: 4–6 weeks. Remove grass carefully when seedlings appear.

6. Nursery Types

Bare Root Nursery

• Cheapest method.
• Seedlings lifted from soil; must be planted immediately.
• Roots should stay straight.
• Plant 6-month-old seedlings.

Polythene Pots

• Easier to manage, transport, and delay planting.
• Use perforated pots.
• Fill with a mixture of:
  • Topsoil 3 parts
  • Coarse sand 2 parts
  • Coffee pulp 1 part
  • Fertilizer as needed
• Small pots for 6-month seedlings, large pots for 9-month seedlings.

7. Transplanting Seedlings

• Transplant at the butterfly stage (before first true leaves).
• Handle carefully; do not damage roots.
• Plant at same depth as seedbed.
• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart.

Optional: Plant seeds directly in bare root or pots to save transplanting work.

8. Nursery Care

Watering: 2–3 times per week; avoid waterlogging.

Weeding: Remove all weeds by hand.

Shade: Gradually reduce shade in last 4–6 weeks before field planting. Too much shade → weak seedlings; too little → scorched leaves.

Fertilizer: Apply a standard foliar feed monthly, increase to fortnightly if leaves look pale.

Pests & Diseases:

• Damping-off: water with 0.5% copper solution.
• Leaf rust: 0.5% copper spray.
• Scales: spray with 0.05% Malathion + 0.25% wetting agent.
• Cutworms: use insecticide in potting mixture or spray as needed.

Spacing: Re-stack pots as seedlings grow to prevent overcrowding.

9. Quick Checklist

·       Seeds ready?

·       Nursery site suitable?

·       Germination beds prepared?

·       Shade in place?

·       Watering and weeding schedule set?

·       Fertilizer and pest control ready?

·       Transplanting schedule planned?