All true tea (black, green, white, and oolong) comes from the leaves of a single species, the evergreen shrub Camellia sinensis. Native to East Asia, this plant is cultivated worldwide for its tender new shoots, which are harvested and processed into the popular beverage. Successfully growing your own tea begins with securing a healthy plant from a reliable source and understanding its specific needs. This guide outlines where to buy tea plants and provides essential information for selection and initial care.
Finding Reputable Suppliers
Finding a healthy Camellia sinensis specimen often requires looking beyond general garden centers to specialized nurseries. Dedicated online nurseries focusing on camellias or edible landscape plants are a primary source, frequently offering a wider selection of tea varieties and healthier stock. When choosing an online supplier, review their shipping practices and customer feedback, as transit can be stressful for live plants.
Check state and federal regulations regarding the shipment of live plants across borders. Many states have quarantine laws to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, which may require a phytosanitary certificate or restrict certain plants entirely. Local garden centers may only carry generic stock or ornamental camellias, so confirm the plant is the tea-producing Camellia sinensis. Purchasing from an arboretum or a local tea grower can offer the benefit of buying a plant already adapted to your immediate climate.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first decision when buying a tea plant is selecting the variety that best suits your regional climate and growing conditions. The two main varieties are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and Camellia sinensis var. assamica. Matching the variety to your local hardiness zone is the most important factor for long-term success.
The sinensis variety, often called the Chinese type, is the hardier of the two, possessing smaller leaves and a more compact growth habit. This variety is tolerant of cooler temperatures and is suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9, making it a common choice for container growing in colder regions.
The assamica variety, originating from the Assam region of India, is characterized by larger leaves and a tendency to grow into a small tree. This type thrives in warm, tropical, and humid conditions, requiring a climate found in hardiness zones 9 and 10b or higher. It is not frost-tolerant and struggles in temperatures below 25°F.
What to Look for When Purchasing
Whether buying in person or through an online description, a healthy tea plant should show specific indicators of vigor. Look for foliage that is a vibrant, deep green color and free of any yellowing, spots, or webbing, which can signal nutrient deficiencies or the presence of pests like scale or mites. The plant should have a strong central stem and multiple lateral branches, suggesting a robust growth habit.
If possible, examine the roots by gently sliding the plant partially out of its pot. The roots should be firm, light-colored, and spread evenly within the container. Avoid plants that are severely root-bound, where the roots tightly circle the pot, as this condition can hinder future growth and lead to watering problems. Selecting a young plant, one to two years old, ensures it will establish quickly in its new environment.
Initial Care After Purchase
The first few weeks after bringing a tea plant home are crucial for minimizing transplant shock and ensuring successful establishment. Immediately upon arrival, unwrap the plant and place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light or partial shade. Full sun exposure should be introduced gradually to prevent leaf scorch.
Camellia sinensis requires a well-draining, acidic soil mixture with a pH level ranging between 4.5 and 6.5. A mix formulated for acid-loving plants like azaleas or rhododendrons is appropriate, and incorporating organic matter helps with drainage and moisture retention.
For the first two years, the plant should be watered frequently during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent root rot.