Fertilising coffee by growth stage – the right amount for healthy, productive trees
Correct fertilising – key to sustainable coffee yields
Coffee has a long growth cycle with several stages:
Establishment → Stable production → After harvest → Preparing for flowering
At each stage, the tree needs different amounts and types of fertiliser to:
- Develop branches, leaves and roots
- Improve fruit set
- Resist pests and diseases
- Rebuild energy after harvest
Nutrient needs by stage
| Stage | Fertiliser needed | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Establishment (1–3 years) | Organic fertiliser, NPK 16-16-8 | Canopy growth, root development |
| 2. Flowering | NPK 20-20-15 + B + Zn | Feeds flower buds, improves fruit set |
| 3. Fruit fill | Potassium (K), calcium, magnesium | Firmer fruit, less young-fruit drop |
| 4. After harvest | Organic fertiliser, microbial fertiliser | Tree recovery, root regeneration |
Annual coffee fertiliser calendar (by season)
| Timing | Fertiliser type | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Start of rainy season (May–June) | Organic + NPK | Recovery, supporting new growth |
| Mid rainy season (July–August) | NPK + micronutrients | Fruit development, less drop |
| End of rainy season (September–October) | Potassium + Mg + B | Better bean quality, firmer fruit |
| After harvest (December–January) | Organic + dolomite lime | Root recovery, soil improvement |
Tips for cost-effective fertilising
✅ Apply at the right time: not too early, not too late
✅ Water after applying to improve uptake
✅ Add well-composted organic or microbial fertiliser 1–2 times/year
✅ When spraying foliar fertilisers, add Viet-up 90 for good adhesion and fast penetration, especially in the rainy season
Suggested fertiliser types
| Fertiliser | Suggested use |
|---|---|
| NPK 16-16-8 | Start of the rainy season |
| NPK 20-20-15 + TE | Flowering – fruit fill |
| KNO₃, potassium sulfate | Firmer fruit, better bean quality |
| Magnesium sulfate, B, Zn | Reduces leaf yellowing and fruit drop |
| Dolomite lime, organic fertiliser | Soil improvement, reduces acidity |
Need detailed advice on fertilising coffee?
Contact the Vietcropchem technical team:
Hotline: +84 86 210 5050
Website: www.vietcropchem.com
We are here to support growers in building sustainable yields.
Read more:
Products for mealybugs and aphids on coffee – a two-way systemic approach
Coffee leaf yellowing and young fruit drop – causes and management
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[NEWS 27/8/2025]