Green Tea Plant for Sale: Everything You Need to Know [2023]

Quick Answer: Yes, you can grow green tea at home. It takes about 2-3 years for a green tea plant to mature and produce leaves. The best plant for green tea is the Camellia sinensis variety. Growing green tea requires specific conditions, but with proper care, it can be a rewarding experience. Check out our recommended green tea plants for sale below.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• How to Grow Green Tea at Home
• Choosing the Right Green Tea Plant
• Caring for Your Green Tea Plant
  • Sunlight and Temperature
  • Watering and Humidity
  • Soil and Fertilizer
  • Pruning and Harvesting
• Common Questions about Growing Green Tea
  • Can you grow green tea at home?
  • How long does it take to grow a green tea plant?
  • What is the best plant for green tea?
  • Is green tea easy to grow?
  • Can I grow green tea indoors?
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

Yes, you can grow green tea at home. It’s a rewarding experience to cultivate your own green tea plants and enjoy the fresh, aromatic leaves. The best plant for green tea is the Camellia sinensis variety, which is known for its high-quality leaves. With the right conditions and care, you can have a thriving green tea garden in your backyard. Check out our recommended green tea plants for sale below.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Green tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are evergreen shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
• The leaves of green tea plants are used to make various types of green tea, including matcha, sencha, and jasmine tea.
• Green tea plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.
• They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefer cooler climates.
• Green tea plants can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, depending on your space and preferences.

How to Grow Green Tea at Home

Growing green tea at home requires some knowledge and effort, but it’s definitely achievable. Follow these steps to start your own green tea garden:

1. Choose a suitable location: Green tea plants thrive in partial shade, so find a spot in your garden that receives a few hours of direct sunlight but is protected from intense afternoon sun. If you live in a hot climate, consider growing your green tea plants in containers that can be moved to a shadier area during the hottest part of the day.

2. Prepare the soil: Green tea plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.0. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage. Alternatively, you can grow green tea plants in containers filled with a high-quality potting mix.

3. Plant the green tea seedlings: Purchase young green tea seedlings from a reputable nursery or online seller. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil and gently firm it around the plant. Water thoroughly after planting.

4. Water and mulch: Green tea plants require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Protect from frost: If you live in an area with frosty winters, protect your green tea plants by covering them with frost blankets or bringing them indoors during extreme cold spells.

6. Prune and harvest: Prune your green tea plants in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and promote bushier growth. Harvest the young leaves when they are fully developed but still tender. Pluck the leaves from the stem and use them fresh or dry them for later use.

Choosing the Right Green Tea Plant

When choosing a green tea plant for your garden, consider the following factors:

• Variety: The Camellia sinensis variety is the most common and widely grown for green tea production. Within this variety, there are different cultivars with unique characteristics. Some popular cultivars include ‘Yabukita’, ‘Benifuuki’, and ‘Okumidori’. Research the specific qualities of each cultivar to find one that suits your taste preferences.

• Size: Green tea plants can vary in size, with some reaching heights of up to 6 feet. Consider the available space in your garden and choose a variety that fits your needs. If you have limited space, look for dwarf or compact varieties that are better suited for containers or small gardens.

• Hardiness: Green tea plants can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler climates. If you live in a region with hot summers, choose a variety that is more heat-tolerant. Conversely, if you live in a colder climate, look for varieties that can withstand frost and freezing temperatures.

Caring for Your Green Tea Plant

To ensure the health and productivity of your green tea plants, it’s important to provide them with the right care.

Sunlight and Temperature

• Green tea plants prefer partial shade and can tolerate temperatures between 50°F and 90°F (10°C to 32°C).
• Protect the plants from intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
• In colder regions, provide some protection from frost and freezing temperatures.

Watering and Humidity

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Green tea plants appreciate high humidity, so consider misting them with water during dry periods or placing a tray of water nearby to increase humidity.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Green tea plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.0.
• Amend heavy or clay-like soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
• Fertilize your green tea plants in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid using synthetic fertilizers, as they can negatively affect the flavor of the leaves.

Pruning and Harvesting

• Prune your green tea plants in early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and promote bushier growth.
• Harvest the young leaves when they are fully developed but still tender. Pluck the leaves from the stem and use them fresh or dry them for later use.

Common Questions about Growing Green Tea

Can you grow green tea at home?

Yes, you can grow green tea at home. Green tea plants can be cultivated in your garden or in containers, depending on the available space and your preferences. With the right conditions and care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own green tea leaves.

How long does it take to grow a green tea plant?

It takes approximately 2-3 years for a green tea plant to reach maturity and start producing leaves. During the first year, the plant focuses on establishing its root system, and leaf production is minimal. In the second and third years, the plant will produce more leaves that can be harvested for tea.

What is the best plant for green tea?

The best plant for green tea is the Camellia sinensis variety. This variety is specifically cultivated for tea production and is known for its high-quality leaves. Within the Camellia sinensis variety, there are different cultivars with unique flavors and characteristics. Some popular cultivars for green tea include ‘Yabukita’, ‘Benifuuki’, and ‘Okumidori’.

Is green tea easy to grow?

Growing green tea requires some knowledge and effort, but it can be a rewarding experience. Green tea plants have specific requirements for sunlight, temperature, soil, and care. By providing the right conditions and following proper care practices, you can successfully grow green tea at home.

Can I grow green tea indoors?

Green tea plants can be grown indoors, but they require certain conditions to thrive. They need bright, indirect light and a stable temperature between 50°F and 90°F (10°C to 32°C). Indoor green tea plants may also benefit from increased humidity, which can be achieved by misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby.

Conclusion

Growing green tea at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the freshest and most flavorful leaves. With the right conditions and care, you can cultivate your own green tea plants and create your own unique blends. Remember to choose the right variety, provide the necessary sunlight and temperature, and follow proper watering and pruning practices. Happy tea growing!

Recommended Links

• Shop green tea plants on Amazon
• Shop green tea plants on Walmart
• Shop green tea plants on Etsy

Disclaimer: The above links are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

• Growing Teas™ – Official website of Growing Teas™, your ultimate resource for all things tea growing.

Reference Links

• North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Camellia sinensis