Growing Guide: Green Tea

Plant Type:	Evergreen Shrub
Harvest Season:	Year-round; best leaves are harvested in spring
Mature Size:	4-6 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Soil & Moisture:	Well-draining, slightly acidic soil; moderate watering
Light Requirements:	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Growth Rate:	Slow to Moderate
Self-fertile:	Yes
Zone Hardiness:	Outdoors 7-9; Patio/Greenhouse 6+
Propagation:	Grown from seeds or cuttings; leaves are typically ready for harvest within 1-3 years.

Climate: Green Tea thrives in mild, humid climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-9. It prefers temperatures between 60-85°F and can tolerate light frost, though protection is needed in colder regions. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
Soil: Green Tea prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Adding organic compost or pine needles helps improve acidity and moisture retention in the soil.

Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded location that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun produces the best growth, but the plant can tolerate some shade.
Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Time: Plant in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for air circulation and room to grow.

Regular Moisture: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Green Tea plants prefer slightly moist conditions, especially during the growing season.

Full Sun to Partial Shade: Ensure the plant receives 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and leaf production.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. Supplement with an acid-loving plant fertilizer throughout the growing season to maintain optimal soil pH.

Pruning: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the shrub. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more tender leaves for tea.
Maintenance: Keep the area around the plant free of weeds and mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

When to Harvest:

Young, tender leaves and buds are harvested in spring for the highest-quality green tea. Harvest leaves once they are 2-3 inches long. For the best flavor, focus on the top two leaves and the bud from each new growth.

How to Use:

Once harvested, the leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, then dried to preserve their fresh, green color and delicate flavor. These leaves can be brewed into traditional green tea or blended with other herbs and flowers for a customized tea experience.