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How much rainfall do Arabica coffee plants need?
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For the cultivation of Arabica coffee, plants require an annual rainfall of 1,500 to 2,000 mm (60 to 80 inches). In addition to this moisture, the plants need a distinct dry period lasting two to three months to thrive.1
If the annual rainfall in a region is less than 1 meter (40 inches), irrigation must be used to support the crop. Because the Arabica species is more delicate than the Robusta variety, it also requires specific environmental conditions, including a cool subtropical climate and higher elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 meters (2,000 to 6,500 feet).12