Chinese tea plant - plant seeds 5 pcs

Camellia sinensis

The tea plant is an evergreen subtropical to tropical shrub. Its leaves are tough and leathery. The leaves contain 70 to 80% water, 29% tannins, alkaloids, especially caffeine 1–4.5%, as well as essential oils that give tea its characteristic aroma. Fresh green leaves contain large amounts of vitamin C. The tea plant blooms in autumn and throughout winter. The flowers are white, up to 3 cm in size. It is the only source for producing dried tea - true tea. In open ground, it grows to the size of a small tree, but usually, thanks to pruning and harvesting, it reaches the size of a smaller shrub. When grown in a pot, maximum growth of between 1 and 1.5 m can be achieved.

How to Grow Tea Plant

• The plants need abundant watering (the soil should never dry out), but they are susceptible to waterlogging. From May to September, we can place the plants on a balcony or in the garden. In winter, spray the plants - dry air from heating doesn't suit them. It's also important to ensure the plants get enough light.

• Break the seed coat and soak it in water for 48 hours. Regular peat, preferably with lower calcium content, is sufficient as sowing substrate. Germination temperature should be between 20-25°C. Seeds commonly germinate in complete darkness as stated in many books, but in practice, partial shade proves more effective. Cover the seedlings with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Plants germinate within 4 weeks.

• The substrate for growing is the same as for sowing, but place a drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay at the bottom of the pots.

• During the growing season, fertilize frequently with special preparations without added lime.

• The plant is attacked by aphids and scale insects.

• The first buds (freshly grown leaves) can be harvested for tea at about 10-20cm, once it reaches shrub-like growth. Infusing them produces green tea.