How do you germinate Kentucky coffee seeds?

Kentucky coffee tree is fairly easy to grow from seed. First you must file the seed coating by hand with a small file, and then soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This will allow for a more rapid germination.

How long do Kentucky coffee tree seeds take to germinate?

The seeds usually germinate in about 2 weeks; I let them grow in their original space for a month before transplanting to a larger pot. Last year I let the trees winter over in their pots before planting in the spring, but this year (2003) I planted some in the fall before they dropped their leaves.

How do you scarify Kentucky coffee tree seeds?

Can I collect and plant coffeetree seeds? Yep! The seeds need to be “scarified” first. This is accomplished by pouring boiling water over the seeds and allowing them to soak for 24 hours (off the stove).

How fast does a Kentucky coffee bean tree grow?

12″ to 24″ per year
Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12″ to 24″ per year.

Where does the Kentucky coffeetree grow?

The Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a tree in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the legume family Fabaceae, native to the Midwest, Upper South, Appalachia, and small pockets of New York in the United States and Ontario in Canada.

Does Kentucky coffeetree produce coffee?

The seeds of Kentucky coffeetree were used by early settlers as a substitute for coffee. However, caution must be taken because the seeds and pods are poisonous. They contain the alkaloid cystisine that can be dangerous.

Is Kentucky coffeetree hardwood?

Kentucky coffeetree has a very wild, coarse grain pattern. In many boards, the growth rings tend to undulate or weave some. When used for wall paneling, this species produces the coarsest and wildest pattern of any of our hardwoods. Boards 1 and 2 are characteristic of the species.

How do you prune a Kentucky coffeetree?

It should be pruned in winter or early spring. Kentucky coffeetree has no serious disease or insect problems. Litter can be a problem in spring when pods fall, and in autumn when the large leaves drop. Because of litter, Kentucky coffeetree is best suited for large areas such as parks.

Are Kentucky coffee trees poisonous?

This plant has low severity poison characteristics. Kentucky Coffee Tree is a slow to moderate growing deciduous native tree in the bean family. It is resistant to air pollution and drought and makes an excellent addition to a rain garden or in a landscape to provide shade.

How long does it take for a coffee tree to reach maturity?

approximately 3 to 4 years
Depending on the variety, it will take approximately 3 to 4 years for the newly planted coffee trees to bear fruit. The fruit, called the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested.

How poisonous are Kentucky coffee tree seeds?

A tea made from leaves and pulp was used as a laxative. The seeds of Kentucky coffeetree were used by early settlers as a substitute for coffee. However, caution must be taken because the seeds and pods are poisonous. They contain the alkaloid cystisine that can be dangerous.

Does Kentucky coffee tree fix nitrogen?

Although a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), Kentucky coffeetree is not a nitrogen “fixer”. It is a medium to large, round-barked, native deciduous tree reaching heights of 18 to 30-m with a spread of 12 to 15-m.

In order to germinate the seeds, you must soften, or scarify, the seed coat so the seed can take up water. Kentucky coffee trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 8. Boil enough water to equal at least six times the volume of the seeds.

How long does it take for a Kentucky coffee tree to grow?

This is a fairly easy-care tree that is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. It’s somewhat slow growing and short-lived, reaching between 100 to 150 years of age on average. 1 The Kentucky coffee tree does best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Do Kentucky coffee trees drop seeds in the winter?

Woody brown seed pods remain on the bare branches of female Kentucky coffee trees (Gymnocladus dioicus) all winter. They drop to the ground in April and slowly rot under the tree, revealing the sweet, sticky layers that glue the seed inside the pod.

Are Kentucky coffeetree seeds poisonous?

The seeds of Kentucky coffeetree were used by early settlers as a substitute for coffee. However, caution must be taken because the seeds and pods are poisonous. They contain the alkaloid cystisine that can be dangerous.