Every morning I have to have my tea. I know for some people it is coffee, but I love my tea. So just the other day, I decided to look into how to grow my own tea plants.

Apparently, tea plants can grow for over 10 years. Camellia Assamica is the big leaf variety, which is normally found in Africa and some parts of China. Camellia Sinensis is the small leaf variety which usually grows in inland China gardens.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• tea seeds or seedlings
• small container or pot
• seedling trays
• potting mix
• organic fertilizer

It is easier to grow tea from seedlings, than seeds as it takes 4 to 8 weeks or more for the seeds to germinate. Tea is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions from full sun to deep shade although the ideal situation is light shade or half a day of sun. Grow indoors in the winter and take it outside in the Summer.

Before you can start to pick off tea leaves, your plants have to be at least 4 years old. Pick them primarily in Spring, early summer or fall it all depends on the region. Only pick the top leaves or buds, the lower ones do not taste good. Tea trees usually bloom between September and November.

To make green tea, dry leaves in the oven for 20 minutes or mor at 200 degrees F. For black tea, roll the leaves in between your hands and leave to sit outside on a plate for 3 to 5 days. Then dry them in your oven.

You can download a tea growing guide at Larry’s Tropical Plants, here…

How To Grow Tea Plants At Home

Watch video below, on how to germinate tea seeds…

Watch video below, on how to grow tea plant seedlings…

Watch video below, on how to harvest tea camellias…