20 Plants That Love Coffee Grounds (And 8 That Don’t)

If you’re a gardener looking for an affordable, eco-friendly way to enrich your soil, improve plant health and boost growth, coffee grounds might be the secret ingredient your garden has been missing. Many of us throw away used coffee grounds without ever realizing that this simple kitchen waste can transform plant vigor, moisture retention, soil fertility and blooms quality. Coffee grounds contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium—making them a slow-release natural fertilizer that benefits a surprising number of plants.

In this blog post, you will learn 20 plants that love coffee grounds, including favorites like hydrangeas, roses, blueberries, azaleas, carrots, tomatoes and herbs such as basil and parsley. So whether you’re growing tomatoes in containers, hydrangeas in your landscape, or herbs on your kitchen windowsill, this guide is for you. Additionally, you’ll learn what plants don’t like coffee grounds, plants that love coffee grounds in pots, outdoor plants that thrive with coffee grounds and perennial plants that respond especially well to the acidity and nutrition coffee grounds provide.

To make things even easier, I’ve categorized the 20 plants into groups—outdoor plants, potted plants, perennials, flowers, vegetables and herbs—so you can quickly find what works best for your garden.

Let’s dive in and discover exactly how coffee grounds can make your garden greener, healthier and more productive.

Outdoor Plants That Love Coffee Grounds

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Blueberries thrive in acidic, nutrient-rich soil, making coffee grounds a perfect match for them. The nitrogen in the grounds supports leafy growth, while trace minerals improve berry production and flavor. Coffee grounds also help maintain the low pH (4.5–5.5) blueberries need. When mixed into the soil, they improve moisture retention, which is essential for fruit size and sweetness.

Apply ½–1 cup of used coffee grounds around the base every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Mix lightly into the topsoil or add to mulch. Avoid applying fresh grounds directly—always use aged or composted grounds to prevent clumping. Water deeply afterward.

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Macrophylla)

Hydrangeas respond beautifully to the slight acidity coffee grounds provide. For varieties like mophead or lacecap hydrangeas, adding grounds can enhance blue coloration because acidic soil makes aluminum more available to the plant. Coffee grounds also help hydrangeas develop stronger stems and fuller blooms.

Spread a thin layer (no more than ½ inch) of used grounds around the drip line and gently mix into the soil. Repeat every 6–8 weeks. Avoid piling too close to the stem to prevent moisture issues.

Roses (Rosa spp.)

Roses love nutrient-rich soil and the nitrogen boost from coffee grounds enhances leaf growth, bloom quantity and color intensity. The grounds also attract earthworms, which naturally aerate and enrich the soil around rose bushes.

Use 1 cup of used grounds mixed with compost. Apply around the outer edge of the plant, not directly at the stem. Water thoroughly and repeat monthly during the growing season. Composting grounds prevents potential over-acidity.

Carrots (Daucus Carota)

Coffee grounds help loosen soil, allowing carrots to grow straighter and larger. Their fine texture improves drainage and prevents soil compaction. Light nitrogen boosts leaf growth without deforming the roots.

Mix the grounds into soil before sowing seeds. Use only a small amount (a thin handful per square foot). Avoid applying on top because thick layers may repel moisture and hinder germination.

Vegetable Plants That Love Coffee Grounds

Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum)

Tomatoes benefit from the nitrogen and trace minerals in coffee grounds, which help produce strong stems, vibrant foliage and larger fruits. Grounds also improve water retention—important for preventing blossom-end rot.

Add grounds through compost or mix a small amount into the soil at planting time. Apply no more than 1–2 tablespoons per plant directly, as too much can reduce soil calcium. Composting coffee grounds is safest.

Peppers (Capsicum Annuum)

Coffee Ground help peppers develop robust stems and increase fruit production by providing nitrogen. They also support beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Mix grounds into compost and apply around plants every 4 weeks. Avoid piling directly around the stem. Water thoroughly after each application.

Radishes (Raphanus Sativus)

Radishes grow quickly and appreciate the improved soil structure coffee grounds bring. The added nitrogen supports leafy growth, while better aeration allows radishes to form evenly shaped roots.

Blend a small amount into the soil before planting. Do not apply on top of young seedlings, as grounds can form a crust. Use lightly for best results.

Flowering Plants That Love Coffee Grounds

Camellias (Camellia Japonica)

Camellias thrive in slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. Coffee grounds help create these conditions and promote glossy foliage and abundant blooms. The added organic matter improves drainage—important for camellias—while helping the plant resist stress.

Apply a small ring of used grounds mixed with mulch. Avoid direct stem contact. Repeat every 6–8 weeks during active growth.

Lilies (Lilium Spp.)

Lilies flowers are popular of their appearance and easy to grow flowers for the beginners. Lilies appreciate nitrogen-rich soil that drains well. Coffee grounds support strong stem growth and vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Their organic matter also attracts earthworms, which improve aeration around bulbs.

Mix a light sprinkle into the topsoil in spring. Avoid burying bulbs directly in coffee grounds; instead, use them as part of a compost blend. Water well.

Azaleas

Azaleas are naturally adapted to grow in acidic, humus-rich woodland soils. The mild acidity of used coffee grounds helps maintain the low pH that azaleas need for nutrient uptake, particularly iron—essential for preventing chlorosis (yellowing leaves). Coffee grounds also add nitrogen and trace minerals, boosting lush foliage and promoting vibrant blooms. The grounds help replicate the forest-floor environment that azaleas love, improving moisture retention without making soil waterlogged when used properly.

To apply, sprinkle a thin layer (¼–½ cup for mature shrubs) of used coffee grounds around the drip line and lightly blend into the topsoil or mix with organic mulch such as pine bark or leaf mold. Apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fresh coffee grounds, which are too acidic and can repel water. Water generously after applying. This slow-release feeding method keeps azaleas healthy, encourages abundant flowering, and enhances root activity.

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)

Rhododendrons thrive in acidic, loose, organic soil and coffee grounds help support this ideal environment. Used coffee grounds slightly lower soil pH, making nutrients like iron and manganese more available—preventing nutrient deficiencies and encouraging deep green foliage. The organic matter from grounds also helps improve soil texture, making it more similar to the leaf-rich forest soils where rhododendrons grow naturally. This combination supports better flower bud formation and stronger spring blooms.

Apply coffee grounds the same way you would for azaleas—sprinkle a thin, even layer around the base of the plant and mix it gently into the top inch of soil. Always use aged or used grounds so they don’t compact or hold too much moisture. For best results, apply once every 6–8 weeks during the growing season and combine with pine mulch or shredded leaves. This keeps the soil acidic, breathable, and nutrient-rich, ensuring strong growth and beautiful blooms year after year.

Begonias (Begonia spp.)

Begonias benefit from the organic matter and slow-release nutrients that coffee grounds provide. The nitrogen helps develop lush, vibrant foliage, while the micronutrients in coffee grounds—like calcium, magnesium and potassium—support balanced growth and brighter blooms. When used properly, they help maintain consistent moisture, which begonias love, especially tuberous and wax begonias.

To use coffee grounds for begonias, mix a very small amount (1–2 tablespoons per plant) into the top inch of soil or blend them with compost and apply as a light mulch. Do not pile thick layers, as begonias still need breathable soil. Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Used grounds are ideal, as they are gentler and less acidic. When applied correctly, coffee grounds promote fuller foliage, healthier root growth, and long-lasting blooms throughout the season.

Herbs That Love Coffee Grounds

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Basil thrives in nutrient-rich soil and coffee grounds provide essential nitrogen for lush foliage and strong aroma. Grounds also promote microbial activity that supports healthy root growth.

Mix a teaspoon into potting soil or compost monthly. Avoid applying directly on top of the soil, as basil prefers loose, aerated soil.

Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum)

Parsley grows best in fertile, moist soil rich in organic matter. Coffee grounds help maintain moisture and add minerals that improve leaf quality, color and flavor intensity.

Use lightly in compost or sprinkle a tiny amount directly into the soil. Repeat every 4–6 weeks. Avoid heavy layers that may restrict airflow.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is vigorous and appreciates the nutrient richness coffee grounds add. It grows thicker, greener and more aromatic when provided with nitrogen-enhanced soil. Grounds also improve drainage while supporting moisture retention.

Mix grounds into the soil in small amounts—mint doesn’t need much help! Apply once a month during active growth.

Perennial Plants That Love Coffee Grounds

Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Hostas love rich, moisture-holding soil and coffee grounds support their large, leafy growth. The grounds also help deter slugs—a common pest for hosta plants.

However, it’s best to use them in moderation, either by sprinkling a thin layer on the soil or adding them to compost, as too much can create overly acidic conditions or unbalance the soil.

Ferns (Various species)

Many fern varieties prefer slightly acidic, humus-rich soil similar to forest floors. Coffee grounds replicate this natural environment and help maintain consistent moisture levels.

Use composted coffee grounds around ferns every 4–6 weeks. Keep them away from crown centers to avoid moisture buildup. Use in moderation.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies thrive in fertile soil and respond well to the nutrients in coffee grounds. Nitrogen supports abundant foliage, which leads to stronger bloom production.

Mix grounds into the soil around the plant, avoiding thick layers. Apply 2–3 times per growing season for best results.

Plants That Love Coffee Grounds in Pots

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Snake plants benefit from the organic matter and slow-release nutrients coffee grounds provide. The grounds improve soil structure and support healthier leaf formation.

However, i advise to use in small amount, overuse can lead to problems like mold, excessive acidity, or poor drainage. Mix a small amount of dried grounds into the topsoil every couple of months.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

Christmas cactus enjoys slightly acidic soil with high organic matter. Coffee grounds enrich soil fertility and improve moisture retention, essential for blooming.

Blend grounds into compost and mix into potting soil or add a small top-dressing once every 2–3 months. Avoid overwatering.

What Plants DON’T Like Coffee Grounds

While coffee grounds are beneficial for many acid-loving plants, several popular garden plants can actually suffer when applied coffee grounds. This is usually due to coffee grounds’ acidity, nitrogen content and ability to retain moisture—all factors that can work against plants that prefer dry, alkaline, or low-nutrient conditions. Below is a list of plants that should never be given coffee grounds and the reasons why.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender thrives in dry, sandy, alkaline soil with excellent drainage. Coffee grounds disrupt this balance by increasing soil acidity and holding too much moisture—two conditions lavender hates. Even used coffee grounds, which are less acidic than fresh ones, still create a slightly acidic, water-retentive environment that leads to yellowing leaves and weakened growth. Lavender roots are extremely sensitive to excess moisture, making coffee grounds a potential cause of root rot.

Additionally, the nitrogen in coffee grounds encourages lush leaf growth, which lavender does not need. Lavender’s essential oil concentration—responsible for its aroma and medicinal value—declines when nitrogen is excessive. For optimal health, lavender prefers nutrient-poor soil. Avoid coffee grounds entirely and instead amend soil with sand or small gravel.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)

Thyme grows best in alkaline, well-drained, low-nutrient soil. Adding coffee grounds makes the soil too acidic and too moist for thyme’s Mediterranean roots. The high nitrogen content encourages soft, leggy foliage, which weakens thyme’s flavor, aroma and structural integrity. Coffee grounds also suppress the dry, warm soil conditions thyme relies on to stay healthy.

Because thyme is prone to fungal issues like root rot and damping-off when overwatered, coffee grounds worsen the problem by increasing moisture retention. For stronger, more fragrant thyme, avoid coffee grounds completely. Instead, use coarse sand or crushed limestone to support thyme’s preferred soil chemistry.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Sage prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil and dry conditions. Coffee grounds increase soil acidity and retain moisture, creating an unfavorable environment for sage. When exposed to coffee grounds, sage often develops yellowing foliage, woody stems, and reduced essential oil content. High nitrogen levels cause excessive leafy growth, which leads to weak flavor and poor winter hardiness.

Also, sage roots are sensitive to compaction and moisture buildup; coffee grounds, when not fully composted, can form a dense layer that suffocates roots. For robust growth and rich flavor, keep coffee grounds away from sage and amend the soil with composted bark or light gravel instead.

Succulents & Cacti (Various Families)

Succulents and cacti thrive in fast-draining, gritty soil with minimal moisture retention. Coffee grounds hold water and compact easily, suffocating the roots of drought-loving plants. Overly moist soil leads to fungal infections, black stem rot, or root collapse—common killers of succulents. Even adding small amounts of coffee grounds can alter the soil structure enough to cause damage, especially in pots.

Furthermore, succulents and cacti need extremely low nitrogen levels, while coffee grounds release nitrogen slowly over time, encouraging lush, soft growth that makes these plants more vulnerable to pests and sunburn. The acidity from grounds also interferes with some cacti species’ natural soil pH preference, which tends to be neutral or slightly alkaline. It’s best to avoid coffee grounds entirely for succulents and keep their soil sandy and airy.

Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Orchids have very specific requirements: they need chunky, airy growing media such as bark, moss, charcoal, or perlite. Coffee grounds, however, are fine, compact easily and retain moisture—causing poor aeration around the roots. This restricts oxygen flow, leading to root suffocation and rot. Even mixing small amounts of coffee grounds with orchid bark can reduce airflow enough to stress the plant.

Orchids also prefer stable pH conditions that are slightly acidic to neutral (around 5.5–6.5). Coffee grounds can alter the pH unpredictably, interfering with nutrient uptake and bloom formation. In addition, orchids absorb nutrients more efficiently through foliar feeding or diluted fertilizers, making organic coffee grounds unnecessary and potentially harmful. Keep coffee grounds out of orchid pots entirely for best results.

Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus)

Although rosemary tolerates slight acidity, it suffers when exposed to the water-retaining properties of coffee grounds. Rosemary prefers dry, sandy, well-draining soil that mimics its Mediterranean origin. Coffee grounds trap moisture and increase nitrogen levels, leading to soft, weak growth and increased susceptibility to fungal infections, especially root rot.

While rosemary can tolerate richer soil than thyme or sage, the acidity and compaction caused by coffee grounds disrupt its natural growing conditions. Nutrient-rich amendments should be used sparingly. Stick to gritty soil mixes with sand, gravel, or perlite instead of coffee grounds.

Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)

Yarrow is a drought-tolerant perennial that prefers poor, alkaline, well-drained soil. Coffee grounds are the opposite of what yarrow needs: they are nutrient-rich, moist and acidic. Excess nitrogen causes yarrow to grow tall and floppy, reducing bloom production and shortening flowering time. The plant becomes more susceptible to fungal issues when the soil stays damp for too long.

Since yarrow is a wildflower adapted to low-fertility environments, even small amounts of coffee grounds can disrupt its natural growth pattern. Avoid coffee grounds completely and focus on dry, non-fertile soil conditions to maintain strong flowering.

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

While strawberries enjoy slightly acidic soil, they don’t like coffee grounds directly mixed into the soil. Grounds tend to clump, forming a dense, wet layer that slows down air circulation. Strawberry roots are shallow and prone to rot, and excessive moisture from coffee grounds can quickly lead to fungal diseases like botrytis (gray mold). The caffeine residues in coffee grounds may also hinder strawberry seedling growth.

Strawberries prefer light, fluffy soil rich in compost—not dense or compacting amendments like coffee grounds. If you wish to use coffee grounds in strawberry beds, always compost them first for several months. Fresh or lightly aged grounds should never be applied directly around strawberry crowns.