Tea is a species of Camellia called sinensis which originates from Southern China. Its lush green leaves lends it well to be grown as a hedge (growing up to 2m) in a container or as a stand alone specimen in the garden. What could be better than being able to pick your own tea leaves.
Planting Calendar
Tea (Camellia sinensis) grows very well in the New Zealand climate. It is an evergreen shrub and can be planted all round the year.
Harvest In
Spring
Harvesting in Spring will ensure that you are harvesting the most tender and luscious leaves of the highest quality. Summer and Autumn harvesting produces a lower quality of Tea. Tea is harvested by “plucking” the bud and the first two leaves from the tip of the plant. The younger leaves have the best flavor and removing three leaves increases production but diminishes the overall quality by including an older leaf. Tea plants are plucked by hand by grasping the plant between thumb and forefinger and is usually carried out every 7–14 days depending on growth.
Prepare
Position
Tea is best grown in a partly shaded position. Being a Camellia, it produces fragrant white flowers in winter and grows up to a height of 1.5 - 2 m. Ideally tea should be planted in the ground. However, it can be grown in a large pot as well.
Soil
When planted into the ground Tea plants like a acidic free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Slow Release Azalea, Camellia and Gardenia Fertiliser , then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which helps in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Tea plants like to be kept moist throughout the hotter months of the year. Pale leaves that start to yellow and drop is a sign of under watering. Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
Tea plants like a acidic soil so feed with Kings Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Fertiliser In addition feed monthly with applications of Kings Sheep Pellets and Aquaticus Garden Booster. If planted in pots feed with Kings Slow Release Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Fertiliser, along with Aquaticus Garden Booster.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Aphids and thrips can be an issue on new growth. Spray with Bugtrol at first sign of attack.
Pruning
Tea plants should be pruned regularly to form a dense bush and to encourage the production of lateral branches. Pruning should be maintained throughout the life of the plant to keep it a manageable size and to maintain productivity. Pruning is best carried out after flowering.
Beginner Tip
All Camellias set their flower buds during the summer months, so it is imperative to keep the soil moist at this time.
Expert Tip
Pale leaves that yellow between the veins is a sign that your plants are lacking in key nutrients (usually magnesium). Apply and application of Sequesteron Yellow Leaf Plant tonic especially designed to fix this problem. This tonic is formulated to be readily available to plants.
Tip
Coffee grounds are slightly acidic, so sprinkle them over the soil under the plants, this also helps to suppress weeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my tea plant?
Tea plants like to be kept moist throughout the hotter months of the year. Pale leaves that start to yellow and drop is a sign of under watering. Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
When is the best time to plant tea plants?
The best time to plant tea plants is in the spring or early autumn, avoiding the hottest and coldest parts of the year.
Can tea plants be grown in containers?
Tea plants can be grown in containers. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate growth and has good drainage.
How do I prune my tea plant?
Tea plants should be pruned regularly to form a dense bush and to encourage the production of lateral branches. Pruning should be maintained throughout the life of the plant to keep it a manageable size and to maintain productivity. Pruning is best carried out after flowering.
How long does it take for a tea plant to produce leaves for harvesting?
Harvesting in Spring will ensure that you are harvesting the most tender and luscious leaves of the highest quality. Summer and Autumn harvesting produces a lower quality of Tea. Tea is harvested by “plucking” the bud and the first two leaves from the tip of the plant. The younger leaves have the best flavor and removing three leaves increases production but diminishes the overall quality by including an older leaf. Tea plants are plucked by hand by grasping the plant between thumb and forefinger and is usually carried out every 7–14 days depending on growth.