2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil.
Fresh leaves contain about 4% caffeine. A misting spray bottle works well. 100 Camellia Sinensis var. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Its leaves are bright green and shiny. Full Description. You don't need a large garden to grow your own tea; a planter on a balcony would work just fine. Pour the just-boiled water over the tea plant seeds. Sprinkling the tea grounds throughout the soil is fine, but I wouldn’t plant the seeds right inside the tea bag. Next, move the leaves indoors, gently toss for 1-2 minutes and spread into thin layer. Keep potting mix moist, but not too soggy. Will tolerate elevation and alkalinity. After processing the tea, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Taking a tea seed, creating the perfect environment for germination and nurturing it into a full grown plant that can produce tea for you to drink is an incredible feeling. Oolong tea should be partially oxidized for a different flavor.
wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Regular watering is essential as the roots of your tea become established, approximately two times a week is usually sufficient and rather than just soaking the soil you could mist the entire plant during waterings. ; Camellia sinensis var. Many teas are often grown in areas where the humidity is relatively high and the air is constantly moist. Dry the leaves by firing (not frying) in a large pan or placing the leaves on a tray in an oven at 250 degrees fahrenheit for 20 minutes until the leaves turn to black. Root rot can be a problem if the plants don’t get good drainage. For colder climates, transplant them into bigger pots for greenhouse or indoor gardening. Too much fluoride is bad for you. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Grows best in climate zones 6B-10. Place the tea plant seeds in a deep bowl.
She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
If you want to grow your tea plants outside, Zones 7 through 9 will be the most successful locations. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. (at least 40 inches). Last Updated: June 19, 2019 After oxidation is stopped, the leaves should be rolled to release the remaining moisture. sinensis (Chinese tea) but the leaves are larger, thinner and leathery in texture. assamica from Assam, India, is a tropical plant suitable for USDA Zone 10b. Plant seed twice as deep as the thickness of the seed, or 1 to 2" deep. Grow real tea (botanical name: Camellia sinensis) at home. You'll often find that some of the best teas to drink are grown in areas of high elevation on the side of hills where they will get the moisture they need, but where any excess water will drain off. There are two main varieties which require warmer growing zones: Camellia sinensis var. Tea leaves (actual tea, not herbal “tea”) contains a lot of FLUORIDE, so the vegetables might end up containing high levels of fluoride. If you are planning on growing your tea plant indoors, you'll need to prune it so that it doesn't outgrow its environment. It could take a full 2-3 years from germination until a plant is fully matured and capable of producing tea to drink, but the satisfaction of production and care that you'll put into the cultivation make it well worth the wait for the end result. Tea is very susceptible to absorbing other aromas. Get your seeds from a reputable source and confirm the variant with the seller before purchasing. Spread the leaves in thin layers on a tray and set in a shady location for 1 to 3 days before being heated.
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