Grow Your Own Black, Green, and Oolong Tea Leaves
You don’t need a large garden to start growing your tea—a window box on a porch works perfectly!
By understanding the tea plant's requirements and learning how to harvest its leaves, you can enjoy homemade black, green, or oolong tea.
The best part? All three types of tea come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis.
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How to Grow Tea at Home
The Camellia sinensis plant is hardy to Zone 8. This hardiness zone covers the Midwestern and Southern states of the US, with similar temperatures and weather patterns.
But if you don’t live in Zone 8, you can still try growing tea. Consider using a greenhouse or planting the tea bush in a pot that can be moved indoors during cold winters. This flexibility makes it easier to protect your plant from harsh weather.
The tea bush is a small shrub that typically grows about 3 to 7 feet tall (1 to 2 meters), though it can get taller if left unpruned.
In the fall, it blooms with tiny, fragrant white flowers, making it a delightful ornamental plant as well.
Planting Tips and Care
To thrive, Camellia sinensis prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH. If you’re growing it in a container, add some sphagnum moss to the potting mix for better moisture retention.
Keep in mind that patience is key: the plant needs to be around 3 years old before it’s ready for leaf harvesting. You can obtain seeds from your local nursery or purchase them online.
With the right care, your tea plant will provide leaves that can be processed into green, oolong, or black tea, depending on how you prepare them.
Start small, be patient, and soon you'll be enjoying your homemade tea!
We hope you enjoy this video about Grow Your Own Black, Green, and Oolong Tea at Home!
Source: AuSable Botanicals Ltd.
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Last update on 2025-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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