Camellia sinensis, the tea plant

Did you know that you can brew your own tea?

All tea, whether green, black, oolong, matcha or white, comes from the tea plant Camellia sinensis.

This millennia-old tea plant Camellia sinensis, of which there are the small-leaved Camellia sinensis, var. sinensis and the large-leaved Camellia sinensis, var. assamica, originally comes from Asia and belongs to the tea plant family (Theaceae).

As do the autumn and winter blooming camellias.

There are now two in Germany! large tea plantations - so why not grow your own tea? Our Camellia sinensis, var. sinensis and the red-flowering variety "Benibana Cha" are particularly suitable for this, also as a pot plant.

The Camellia sinensis tea plant requires the same care as any other camellia. Acidic soil, e.g. B. rhododendron soil, low-lime water (preferably rainwater, but tap water is better than no water at all), a partially shaded location and must always be kept moist, even during the dry winter months.

Tea plants are remarkably hardy, down to minus 15 degrees, so they can be planted in a sheltered location in mild areas. If you want to grow tea plants in a pot, you should provide it with winter protection in winter, such as a coconut mat. Otherwise the tea plant will overwinter in the cold winter garden or stairwell, but never in a heated living room.

Under the motto “grow your own” you can produce organic tea using your own tea plant. You can arrange a small tea garden from just five plants, on the windowsill in the kitchen next to chives and herbs, on the balcony or in the garden. What could be nicer than harvesting your own tea and enjoying it later over a cozy tea time?

Details:

• Camellia sinensis, var. sinensis
• Tea family (Theaceae)
• Flower shape: simple
• Flowering time: from October
• Leaf shape: medium green, narrow
• Growth: upright, open
• The illustration is an example
• Hardy down to minus 15 degrees