🌿 Discover 15+ Thriving US Tea Farms and Gardens (2026)

Video: VIDEO: North America’s largest commercial tea farm, The Charleston Tea Garden.

Did you know that the United States is quietly brewing its own tea revolution? While most of us associate tea with far-off lands like China, India, or Japan, there’s a growing number of passionate growers right here on American soil cultivating Camellia sinensis and crafting unique, flavorful teas. From the historic Charleston Tea Garden in South Carolina to innovative farms nestled in Hawaii’s volcanic soils, US tea farms and gardens are blossoming in surprising places.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a state-by-state tour of over 15 thriving tea farms and gardens across the country. You’ll learn about the rich history of American tea cultivation, the challenges growers face, and the exciting innovations shaping the future of US-grown tea. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on how you can start your own tea patch at home! Ready to sip on some homegrown American tea? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

US tea cultivation is growing rapidly, with over 15 states now home to commercial and artisanal tea farms.

The Charleston Tea Garden remains the largest and most historic commercial tea farm in North America.
Diverse climates—from South Carolina’s subtropical warmth to Hawaii’s volcanic terroir—create unique American tea flavors.
Challenges include climate variability, labor costs, and processing expertise, but innovation and community support are strong.

Growing your own tea at home is possible with the right conditions and care—perfect for tea enthusiasts and gardeners alike!

Stay tuned for detailed farm profiles, expert growing advice, and how you can support or start your own US tea garden!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
🌱 The American Tea Dream: A Brief History of Tea Cultivation in the USA

Why Grow Tea in the USA? The Allure of American-Grown Leaves 🇺🇸
The Challenges and Triumphs of Domestic Tea Cultivation 💪
Where the Magic Happens: A State-by-State Tour of US Tea Farms 🗺️
From Seed to Sip: The Journey of American-Grown Tea 🍵
Supporting Local: How to Find and Buy US-Grown Tea 🛒

The Future is Brewing: Innovations and Expansions in American Tea Farming 💡
Beyond the Farm: Experiencing US Tea Gardens and Tours 🚶 ♀️
Starting Your Own Tea Patch: Is Homegrown Tea a Reality? 🏡

Conclusion: The Resilient Spirit of American Tea 🌟
Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into American Tea 🔗
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About US Tea Farms Answered 🔥
Reference Links: Our Sources and Further Reading 📚

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Alright, fellow tea lovers and green-thumb enthusiasts, let’s dive straight into the fascinating world of US tea farms and gardens! You might be surprised just how much tea is actually brewing right here on American soil. Our team at Growing Teas™ has spent years cultivating, researching, and sipping, and we’re here to spill the tea (pun absolutely intended!) on everything you need to know.

Here are some rapid-fire facts to get your leaves steeping:

Historical Roots: Tea cultivation in the US dates back to the 1700s, with the first successful colonial efforts recorded on Skidaway Island, Georgia, in 1772. Who knew America’s tea party history was so… literal? (Source: Wikipedia)
The Big Kahuna: The Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, is North America’s largest commercial tea farm, spanning 127 acres. It’s a true American classic!
Diverse Terroirs: From the humid subtropical climate of the Southeast to the volcanic soils of Hawaii and the temperate Pacific Northwest, tea is finding a home in surprisingly diverse US regions.

Small but Mighty: While large-scale mechanized farms exist, many US tea producers are small, artisanal operations focusing on unique, hand-processed teas. Think craft beer, but for tea!
Growing Community: The American tea industry, though niche, is a “warm community and growing industry,” as noted by Kill Green (killgreen.io). We’ve certainly felt that warmth!
Homegrown Potential: Yes, you absolutely can grow tea plants in the US! In fact, we’ve got a whole guide on it right here: Can you grow tea plants in the US?

Not Just for Sipping: Some farms, like Volcano Winery in Hawaii, even grow tea for tea-infused wine! Talk about a creative brew.

🌱 The American Tea Dream: A Brief History of Tea Cultivation in the USA

The idea of growing tea in America isn’t new; it’s a dream as old as the nation itself! Imagine, if you will, the early colonists, perhaps still smarting from those infamous tea taxes, thinking, “Why buy when we can grow?”

Early Stirrings (1700s-1800s): The first documented attempts to cultivate Camellia sinensis (the tea plant, for those keeping score at home) in the US stretch back to the 1700s. The first successful colonial cultivation was recorded on Skidaway Island near Savannah, Georgia, in 1772. Fast forward to the early 1800s, and you’d find efforts in Georgia and South Carolina, with even some brave souls trying their luck in Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was a true pioneering spirit!

However, these early ventures often faced an uphill battle. High labor costs and fierce competition from established tea-producing nations meant that, for a long time, tea remained a “niche crop and has never been cultivated widely in the US,” as Wikipedia aptly puts it (Wikipedia).

The Hawaiian Interlude: Did you know Hawaii had its own tea moment? Tea was introduced to the islands in 1887, with commercial growth lasting until 1892. But alas, high wages and the booming coffee industry eventually led to its decline. It seems even paradise had its economic challenges!

The Rise of the Charleston Tea Garden: The modern era of American tea really kicks off with the Charleston Tea Garden (originally the Pinehurst Tea Plantation, established in the late 1800s by Dr. Charles Shepard). After Dr. Shepard’s death in 1915, the plants were eventually moved to Wadmalaw Island in 1963, laying the groundwork for what would become the largest commercial tea farm in North America.

Our team at Growing Teas™ has always admired the resilience of this operation. It wasn’t always smooth sailing; Wikipedia notes that the plantation was “Losing money and nearly bankrupt, in 2003 the Charleston plantation was sold to Bigelow Tea Company.” But like a phoenix from the ashes, it reopened in 2006, thriving and offering free public tours. This commitment to keeping the American tea dream alive is truly inspiring!

Why Grow Tea in the USA? The Allure of American-Grown Leaves 🇺🇸

Video: See Inside The Largest Tea Plantation In The US.

So, with a global market brimming with tea from ancient traditions, why bother growing it in the US? Ah, my friends, the reasons are as nuanced and delightful as a perfectly brewed cup of oolong!

🌿 Freshness You Can Taste

One of the biggest draws for American-grown tea is unparalleled freshness. When you buy tea that’s traveled halfway across the world, it inevitably loses some of its vibrancy. But imagine tea picked, processed, and packaged just a few states away, or even in your own backyard! The difference in aroma and flavor can be astonishing. We’ve tasted teas from small US farms that burst with notes you simply won’t find in mass-produced imports. It’s like comparing a garden-fresh tomato to one that’s been on a cross-country journey.

🌎 Supporting Local Economies and Sustainable Practices

Choosing US-grown tea means you’re directly supporting American farmers and local economies. This often translates to more sustainable and ethical farming practices. Many small US tea gardens prioritize organic farming techniques and environmental stewardship, which is something we at Growing Teas™ deeply champion. You know exactly where your tea comes from, and often, you can even visit the farm yourself!

🔬 Unique Terroir and Innovation

Just like wine, tea’s flavor profile is heavily influenced by its terroir – the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography. American tea farms are experimenting with diverse microclimates, from the volcanic soils of Hawaii to the maritime influences of the Pacific Northwest. This leads to genuinely unique flavor profiles that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve seen incredible innovation in processing methods, too, as growers adapt traditional techniques to new environments. It’s an exciting frontier for tea!

✅ Traceability and Quality Control

When you buy US-grown tea, you often get a level of transparency and traceability that’s hard to match with larger, international supply chains. You can ask questions about pesticides, labor practices, and processing methods directly to the growers. This peace of mind is invaluable for many consumers, including ourselves. We believe knowing your tea’s story enhances the entire experience.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Domestic Tea Cultivation 💪

Video: America’s Only Working Tea Plantation.

Growing tea in the US isn’t all sunshine and perfectly steeped leaves. Our team at Growing Teas™ has faced our fair share of muddy boots and unexpected frosts. It’s a testament to the passion of American tea farmers that this industry continues to bloom.

🚧 The Hurdles We Face

Climate Compatibility: While Camellia sinensis can grow in many parts of the US, finding the ideal climate – one with sufficient rainfall, mild winters, and good drainage – is tricky. Frost can be a devastating enemy, as seen with the Finger Lakes Tea Company in Upstate NY, where “most [of their 55,000 plants] died in 2015 winter” (Wikipedia). Ouch!
High Labor Costs: This is perhaps the biggest elephant in the tea room. Hand-picking tea is incredibly labor-intensive, and US wages are significantly higher than in traditional tea-producing countries. This was a major factor in Hawaii’s early tea industry decline in the 1890s.
- Perspective from Wikipedia: “Some growers feel that tea production is not economically viable without some mechanization, but there is evidence that unmechanized tea production is viable, albeit with lower net profit margins.” This highlights the ongoing debate and the different scales of operation.
Processing Expertise: Turning fresh tea leaves into delicious black, green, or oolong tea is an art form, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. Many new farms are on a steep learning curve, experimenting to perfect their craft.
Market Awareness: Many consumers simply don’t know that tea is grown in the US! Building market awareness and demand for American-grown tea is an ongoing challenge.

✨ The Triumphs and Innovations

Despite these hurdles, the American tea industry is thriving in its own unique way, thanks to incredible dedication and ingenuity:

Artisanal Focus: Many smaller farms embrace the challenge of high labor costs by focusing on artisanal, hand-processed teas. These often command higher prices due to their unique quality and limited production, making unmechanized production viable, as Wikipedia suggests.
Technological Adaptations: Larger farms, like the Charleston Tea Garden, have successfully implemented mechanized harvesting to overcome labor challenges, proving that scale can work.

Community and Collaboration: The American tea community is incredibly supportive. Growers share knowledge, collaborate on processing, and even host educational workshops. We’ve seen this firsthand at industry gatherings – it’s a true family affair!
Research and Development: Institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi are actively researching tea’s potential as a replacement crop for sugar, providing valuable insights and support for growers (Wikipedia).
Award-Winning Quality: American teas are starting to gain international recognition! The Fleur De Lis Tea Company in Louisiana, for instance, won ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2022 UK Tea Academy’s Leafies Award for their “Big Easy” black tea (Wikipedia). That’s a huge win for US tea!

The journey of American tea cultivation is a testament to perseverance and passion. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles to bring something truly special to your cup.

Where the Magic Happens: A State-by-State Tour of US Tea Farms 🗺️

Video: Charleston Tea Garden, South Carolina, USA – Episode no.297.

Alright, buckle up, tea explorers! It’s time for a grand tour of the United States, highlighting where Camellia sinensis is putting down roots and flourishing. From the historic South to the volcanic islands, American tea is as diverse as the landscapes it calls home. Kill Green notes that “Tea farms are located across 15 US states and 1 in Canada,” and we’re going to explore many of them!

To give you a clearer picture, we’ve put together a little rating system based on our insights at Growing Teas™ and industry observations. This isn’t a scientific scale, but rather a general guide to the current state of tea cultivation in each region.

US Tea Region Viability & Experience Rating (1-10 Scale)

Factor / Rating	Climate Suitability	Established Industry	Tour/Visitor Experience	Diversity of Tea Types	Overall Potential
South Carolina	8	9	9	7	9
Hawaii	9	7	8	9	8
Pacific NW (OR/WA)	7	6	6	7	7
California	6	4	4	6	6
Alabama/Mississippi	7	5	6	6	6
Other Emerging	5-7	2-4	2-5	4-6	5

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each region!

1. South Carolina: The Granddaddy of American Tea 👑

If there’s one state synonymous with American tea, it’s South Carolina. The humid subtropical climate here, with its mild winters and ample rainfall, provides a surprisingly hospitable environment for Camellia sinensis.

The Crown Jewel: Charleston Tea Garden

Location: Wadmalaw Island, about 45 minutes south of Charleston.
Size: A sprawling 127 acres, making it the largest commercial tea farm in North America (Wikipedia).
History: As we mentioned, its roots trace back to the Pinehurst Plantation. It was later acquired by Bigelow Tea Company in 2003, ensuring its future.

What they grow: Primarily black and green teas, which they process on-site.
Claim to Fame: Their “American Classic Tea” has been the official White House tea since 1987! Talk about presidential approval. They also produce Sam’s Choice Instant Tea for Sam’s Club.
Visitor Experience: This is where the Charleston Tea Garden truly shines. They offer free public tours of the factory, trolley tours of the fields, and a gift shop. It’s an immersive experience where you can see the entire tea-making process.
- From the Video: The first YouTube video embedded in this article highlights this perfectly, stating, “We’re on Wadmalaw Island, we’re about 45 minutes south of Charleston… Visitors can tour the tea factory, learn about the tea-making process, take a trolley tour, and enjoy wine tastings.” It’s not just “another house tour,” it’s a working farm! Check out the video for a visual tour!
Our Take: The Charleston Tea Garden is a must-visit for any tea enthusiast. It’s a testament to what large-scale American tea production can achieve.

Other South Carolina Gems:

Table Rock Tea Company: Located in Pickens, SC, this 30-acre farm has been producing green, oolong, and black teas since 2008. They also offer tours, co-packing services, and educational resources. They’re a fantastic example of a thriving, mid-sized American tea farm.
- 👉 Shop Table Rock Tea Company on: Amazon | Table Rock Tea Company Official Website

2. Hawaii: Tropical Terroir and Volcanic Vibrancy 🌺

Hawaii, with its lush landscapes and volcanic soil, offers a truly unique terroir for tea. While early attempts in the late 1800s faltered, the islands have seen a resurgence in tea cultivation since the early 2000s.

The Hawaiian Tea Renaissance:

Climate: The high elevations and consistent rainfall on islands like Hawaii (the Big Island) and Maui create ideal conditions, often mimicking the misty mountain regions of traditional tea lands.

Focus: Many Hawaiian tea farms emphasize organic practices and sustainable cultivation, often preserving native growth.
Research: The University of Hawaiʻi has been instrumental in researching tea’s potential as a viable crop, especially as a replacement for sugar (Wikipedia).
Key Players & Their Offerings:
- Big Island Tea: Producing artisanal tea since 2001 at 3,000 ft elevation. They focus on hand-processed small batches and sell finished tea and tea seeds.
- Mauna Kea Tea: A certified organic farm that offers farm tours and sells finished tea. Their commitment to ethical practices is commendable.
- Volcano Winery: Yes, a winery that grows tea! They use their tea for tea-infused wine, but also sell finished tea. A truly innovative approach!
- Tea Hawaii: This isn’t a single farm but a collaborative of multiple island growers, representing a significant portion of Hawaii’s tea production. They sell finished tea, showcasing the diverse styles from across the islands.
- Maui Tea Farm: Located near Haleakala at 4,000 ft, they offer organic tea and herbal blends, often with awards to their name.
- Abby Sohan Tea: Grows black, green, and oolong from both Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and assamica cultivars, demonstrating the genetic diversity being explored.

Our Take: Hawaiian teas often have distinct mineral notes from the volcanic soil and a vibrant freshness. They are a fantastic example of how new terroirs can produce exciting new flavors. If you’re looking for something truly unique, Hawaiian tea is a great choice.

3. Washington & Oregon: Pacific Northwest’s Green Gold 🌲

The Pacific Northwest might not be the first place you think of for tea, but its mild, wet climate, particularly in the coastal regions, offers surprising potential. The tea plants here often endure colder winters, leading to a different kind of resilience and flavor profile.

Oregon’s Pioneering Spirit:

Minto Island Tea Company (Salem, Oregon): A true pioneer, Minto Island has been growing tea organically since 1988! That’s decades of dedication. They sell finished tea, raw tea leaves, and even live plants for those of you inspired to try your hand at Green Tea Cultivation yourself.
- Our Take: Minto Island Tea is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. Their teas often have a unique character, reflecting the cooler growing conditions.
- 👉 Shop Minto Island Tea on: Minto Island Tea Company Official Website

Washington’s Experimentation:

Sakuma Bros. (Burlington, Washington): This farm experimented with tea cultivation since 1997, with 5 acres dedicated to tea between 2010-2016. However, production was suspended due to labor disputes (Wikipedia).

Our Take: Washington’s story highlights the ongoing challenges of labor and economic viability in US tea farming. However, the fact that such large-scale experimentation occurred shows the potential that growers see in the region.

4. California: Golden State’s Emerging Tea Scene ☀️

California, known for its agricultural diversity, is also quietly nurturing a nascent tea industry. From the historic Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony in the 1870s (which briefly produced tea) to modern-day small farms, the Golden State is exploring its tea potential.

Golden Feather Tea: Operating since 2010, this farm experiments with various processing styles and has even sold to Michelin-starred restaurants. They focus on finished tea, often sold in person.

Leona Farms: With 9 acres, this diversified farm grows livestock, turmeric, and tea, specifically producing finished white tea. It’s a great example of how tea can be integrated into a broader agricultural system.
Our Take: California’s diverse microclimates, from coastal fogs to inland valleys, offer a wide range of possibilities for tea cultivation. We’re excited to see what unique flavors emerge from this innovative state.

5. Alabama & Mississippi: Southern Charm Meets Camellia Sinensis 🍑

The deep South, with its warm, humid climate, shares many similarities with traditional tea-growing regions. These states are proving that tea can thrive amidst the magnolias and sweet tea traditions.

Alabama’s Resilient Tea:

Fairhope Tea Plantation (Fairhope, Alabama): This small-scale farm, owned by Donnie Barratt, is a story of resilience. It originated from just 3 salvaged plants after Hurricane Frederic! Now, Kill Green reports it as the “Second-largest US tea farm with 61,000 plants.” They produce limited quantities sold through a gift shop, offer tours, and even host tea picking parties.
- Our Take: Fairhope is a fantastic example of passion overcoming adversity. Their commitment to sharing the tea experience is truly inspiring.
Mobile Tea Garden: Started in 2005, this garden is experimenting with tea seeds and has over 1,000 plants on 0.5 acres. While not yet producing finished tea, they do sell tea seeds, helping others embark on their own Cultivate Your Own Tea journey.

Mississippi’s Brewing Future:

The Great Mississippi Tea Company (Brookhaven, Mississippi): Over a decade old, this company is dedicated to experimenting with different tea styles and is working towards organic certification. They are a significant player in the emerging Southern tea scene.
J&D Blueberry Farm: Another diversified farm, J&D is growing tea and selling it locally, showing how tea can complement existing agricultural operations.
Our Take: The Southern states are proving to be fertile ground for tea, blending traditional agricultural knowledge with new tea-growing techniques. We’re seeing a lot of exciting developments here!

6. Other Emerging Tea-Growing States: A Glimpse into the Future 🚀

The American tea map is constantly expanding! While these states might have smaller or newer operations, they represent the pioneering spirit of US tea cultivation.

Georgia: Beyond the historic Skidaway Island, Georgia is seeing renewed interest. Black Creek Nsy has a 0.5-acre garden, selling live plants and offering educational workshops. Dunaway Gardens is experimenting with 2 acres and sells finished tea locally.
Maryland: Blue Dreams grows lavender, roses, and tea, while Herons Meadow Farm (2 acres) is experimenting with tea and selling blends.

Michigan: Light of Day Organics in Traverse City is a certified Demeter Biodynamic farm that has been growing and processing tea since 2005, selling finished tea. Their commitment to biodynamic principles is truly unique!
New Jersey: Greenwich Tea Burners has been growing 7 different tea cultivars since 2006 and offers farm visits.
New York: While the Finger Lakes Tea Company faced a setback with winter kill, their efforts, supported by Cornell, show the potential for tea in colder climates with the right cold-hardy varieties.

North Carolina: Tea Flower Gardens has been selling live plants and offering educational services since 2006. East Bay Tea Company is a new startup with 4,000 plants in the ground.
Virginia: Virginia First Tea Farm is a small-scale operation producing tea-infused products.
Idaho & Texas: Both states have seen attempts at cultivation. Idaho’s efforts in Coeur d’Alene since 2015 and Mount Vernon, Texas’s cultivation with Nepalese and Sochi seed-stock (though suspended since 2017) demonstrate the widespread interest, even in less obvious tea-growing regions.

Our Take: The sheer number of states experimenting with tea cultivation is incredibly exciting! It shows a growing curiosity and determination to explore what American soil can offer the tea world. As more farms are established, we’ll certainly be updating our own knowledge base, just as Kill Green promises to update their article!

From Seed to Sip: The Journey of American-Grown Tea 🍵

Video: American Tea Garden.

Have you ever wondered what goes into that cup of tea, especially when it’s grown right here at home? The journey from a tiny Camellia sinensis seed to a fragrant brew is a meticulous dance between nature and human craftsmanship. At Growing Teas™, we’ve been part of this dance countless times, and let us tell you, it’s a labor of love!

🌿 Cultivation: Nurturing the Green Gold

It all starts with the plant itself. Tea plants prefer acidic soil, good drainage, and a climate with consistent rainfall and mild temperatures.

Propagation: Most commercial farms start with cuttings from established, high-yielding tea bushes to ensure genetic consistency. Some, like the Mobile Tea Garden, experiment with seeds, which can lead to new, unique cultivars.
Planting: Young tea plants are typically planted in rows, often on slopes to ensure good drainage. Spacing is crucial for healthy growth and ease of harvesting.
Care & Feeding: This involves regular watering (especially during dry spells), weeding, and sometimes fertilizing. Many US farms, like Mauna Kea Tea, prioritize Organic Farming Techniques, using natural methods to enrich the soil and control pests.

Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the tea bush at a manageable height for plucking and to encourage the growth of tender new shoots, known as “flushes.”

🤏 Plucking: The Art of the Harvest

This is perhaps the most iconic step. Tea quality largely depends on what is plucked and how it’s done.

“Two Leaves and a Bud”: The golden rule! Harvesters carefully select the top two tender leaves and the unopened bud. These are the youngest, most flavorful parts of the plant.

Hand vs. Machine: While the Charleston Tea Garden uses mechanized harvesting for efficiency, many smaller, artisanal US farms rely on hand-plucking. This allows for greater precision and selection, often resulting in higher quality, more delicate teas. Our team has spent many mornings hand-plucking, and while it’s back-breaking work, the satisfaction of seeing those perfect tender shoots is immense!

⚙️ Processing: The Transformation

Once plucked, the leaves begin their incredible transformation. The processing method determines whether you get green, black, oolong, white, or pu-erh tea.

| Tea Type | Key Processing Steps The Charleston Tea Garden is a tea plantation located on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. It is the largest tea farm in North America, and it is the only tea farm in the States that produces tea commercially. The garden is open to the public for tours and tastings.

The Charleston Tea Garden was founded in 1963 by the Lipton Tea Company. In 1987, the garden was purchased by the Bigelow Tea Company. The Bigelow Tea Company has continued to operate the garden as a commercial tea farm, and it has also expanded the garden to include a visitor center and gift shop.

The Charleston Tea Garden produces a variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, and oolong tea. The garden’s teas are sold under the brand name American Classic Tea. American Classic Tea is available at grocery stores and specialty tea shops throughout the United States.

In addition to producing tea, the Charleston Tea Garden is also a popular tourist destination. The garden offers tours of the tea fields, the tea factory, and the tea museum. Visitors can also enjoy tea tastings and purchase tea and tea-related products at the gift shop.

The Charleston Tea Garden is a unique and interesting place to visit. It is a great place to learn about the history and production of tea, and it is also a great place to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.