Is It Better to Buy a Tea Plant or Grow It From the Seed?

Seed Propagation

• It is best to use fresh seed for propagating plants as the seeds are viable for only a short period of time. Put the seeds between two sheets of black plastic and keep moist. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting soil and plant the seeds when the outer coating cracks. Place in light shade and keep the soil moist. Gradually increase light exposure as plants grow larger. When sturdier in growth, transfer plants into larger containers or a permanent spot in the garden.

Buying Plants

• Choose a healthy nursery plant that is about 2 to 3 feet tall and growing in a 1- to 3-gallon container. Avoid buying large plants in small-sized containers as the roots tend to get crowded and make the root system root bound. Root-bound plants adapt poorly to transplanting. Also make sure no insects or signs of disease are on the plant and that the trunk is free of damage. Water the container plant regularly for a few days prior to planting in ground.

Site

• Plant the tea tree in areas of full sun or light shade and away from building structures or power lines. Avoid planting in a low-lying site that tends to collect water or is poorly drained. The plant grows optimally in a well-drained soil with a high pH level. Irrigate the plant regularly especially during hot and dry conditions and apply 1/8 to 1/4 lb. of a balanced fertilizer every other month.

Description

• The tea plant grows in the form of an evergreen large shrub or small tree. C. var. sinensis has a mature height of 5 to 10 feet with 1- to 3-inch-long and 1- to 2-inch-wide leaves. C. var. assamica grows up to 50 feet tall with 6- to 10-inch-long and 3- to 5-inch-wide leaves. The 1-inch-wide, cup-shaped, fragrant white flowers bloom during spring. Plants that are grown commercially are kept pruned to a maximum height of about 4 feet and produce flowers only occasionally.