Growing Tea plants, have you tried it?

[SCinPNW]

In preparing my afternoon tea today I started wondering about tea sources since I no longer purchase one of my favorites, the Japanese Green Tea that Costco sells due to concerns about radiation. So I started looking up tea sources and then began to wonder about the possibility of growing my own tea. Have you tried it before? I am thinking of giving it a try. In my reserch, I did find this family owned company in Florida that sells the plants and seeds: http://www.greenteaplants.com/Home_Page.html

Anyway, as I contemplate my options of stocking up on tea from the store verses growing my own, I thought I would check here to see if others have thought about growing their own tea or have actually tried. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks,
SC

[Bill Spies]

LOL I've never thought of that! I think I'll look into it as well!

[rockriver]

please post what you find.
i'm also curious if anyone has tried any type of oil tree... olive for instance?
rr

[tired-medic]

You know I never thought about growing tea, mostly a coffee drinker these days. Wonder if tea needs some exotic conditions?

[Flagwaver]

Tea is grown in Charleston, S.C. You might want to check out www.charlestonteaplantation.com After looking at this site, I am going to make plans to take their tour.

I'm glad you started this topic. I LOVE tea and would be interested if the plant would grow in Georgia.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Now if I could just find a Mt Dew plant that would grow:) , this is interesting. Keep us posted if/when you do it. I dont drink it but the family does so that might be something they would even do. Also interested if it's strictly an outdoor plant or what.

[barfife]

Aha! Another Tea Party conspiracy!

[Grand58742]

I dont drink it but the family does so that might be something they would even do.

Don't drink tea?!?!?!?! You live in OK and don't drink tea, much less sweet tea?!?!?!?!?!

Heresy! Burn him!

Curious myself. Although I do know the climate here in the States is not conducive to growing coffee plants. Learned that while writing a story. But I suppose I could substitute with tea.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Don't drink tea?!?!?!?! You live in OK and don't drink tea, much less sweet tea?!?!?!?!?!Heresy! Burn him!

Just wait till you find out I don't watch or care about football neither:) LOL

[SCinPNW]

Wow, I am happy to see that others are interested in this as well. According to the growing info on the link I posted above and on the Rodale gardening website they grow best in zone 7 climates. The quote from the Rodale article is: "Tea bushes grow best in zone 7 climates (mostly Southeastern states), which could be why the only domestic tea plantation in the U.S. is located just outside Charleston, South Carolina. But you can grow them just about anywhere as long as you keep them indoors or in a greenhouse in the winter, says Ruhren." Here is the link: http://www.rodale.com/growing-tea

In doing some more reading I was able to answer one of my questions, which was how long would the plants last. I am far from being a master gardener, but I do know that some plants do not have a very long lifespan for being productive. However, it seems that tea plants have fairly long lives. This is a quote from the Camelia Forest Nursery: "Tea is harvested many times a year (as often as every 10 days), so a large plant can produce quite a bit of tea, but a hedge may be needed to supply a family with a daily supply. Freshly made tea is superior to tea which has been stored for even a few months."

My only other question is if I am skilled enough to actually grow them successfully. I am thinking I will give it a try and see--it can't hurt. :-) LOL, if we have another cool and wet summer like this past one my success may be limited, but what the heck.

I will post my experiences, good and bad.

SC

[SCinPNW]

Here is some more information on the longevity of the plants. This quote comes for the first link I posted above: "Tea shrubs are capable of growing to heights of 25 to 30 feet; but when cultivated they are pruned to about four feet. The leaves are harvested every six to 14 days. Each bush produces about a quarter-pound of tea leaves a year and can continue producing for 25 to 50 years, and even up to 100 years, especially if organically grown." So it would seem if you can create an environment that the plants like you could be set with tea for a good number of years.

SC

[qrprat77]

Hmmm, Interesting read, I wonder if I'm too far south. We're zone 9a, or 8b depending on who you ask. I see camelia bushes growing around, so tea bushes shouldn't be that hard to get to grow.

[Grand58742]

Each bush produces about a quarter-pound of tea leaves a year and can continue producing for 25 to 50 years, and even up to 100 years, especially if organically grown.

Quarter pound a year doesn't seem like a lot...but I'm not positive just how much tea is needed for a pot/cup myself.

[SCinPNW]

I thought about that as well, however, I think it is more than you think. The green tea I used to get from Costco has 100 tea bags in it and each bag weighs 1.5 grams. I am not sure how many tea bags it would take to weigh 1/4 lb. but I think if you had up to 4 or more plants you would have enough for a family. I will look around and see if I can find anything else on this.

One ore thing, generally you can get two cups out of each tea bag. Of course, the second cup will not be quite as strong, but it is a way to stretch the tea.

[WiseOwl]

Now if I could just find a Mt Dew plant that would grow:) , this is interesting. Keep us posted if/when you do it. I dont drink it but the family does so that might be something they would even do. Also interested if it's strictly an outdoor plant or what.

When you find that Mountain Dew plant please send me a clipping.......but I do know about that other Mtn Dew Plant, its just doesnt run off of Photosynthesis....and it cures all ailments

And Like Grand said....ITS HERESY!!!!


Now to the thread, I have always wanted to grow tea, coffee and/or medicinal herbs but I haven't been in the same spot long enough.......Green tea is a huge part of my BOB, BOFanny Pack, and my colder weather beverage....I drink green tea 3-4 times a week. I add a drop of honey and a pinch of cinnamon to it as well......keeps me unrusty

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/seeds/seeds.html

I get this catalog and gave it to a friend and she grows st. johns, echinacea (sp), and stuff like that. She said their tea is great also.....

Yall should check em out!