Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green Tea, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, is a versatile and popular plant native to East Asia. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and enjoys partial shade to full sun. Green Tea is a small evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 feet if left unpruned. Its glossy, dark green leaves are harvested to produce the beloved green tea beverage known for its numerous health benefits.
Cultivating Green Tea in your garden not only provides you with a fresh, organic source of tea leaves but also adds an attractive and evergreen element to your landscape. The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers in the fall, adding a touch of beauty to your garden space.
To grow Green Tea successfully, plant it in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub and to encourage new growth. Regularly harvesting the young, tender leaves will provide you with a continuous supply of fresh tea leaves for brewing.
Plant Type
Evergreen Shrub, Small Tree
Harvest Season
Leaves: Year-round
Flowers: Spring
Mature Size
Up to 15 ft.tall and wide
Green tea plants are is typically (and easily!) pruned and maintained at smaller sizes (4-5 ft.) for ease of harvesting.
Soil & Moisture
Moist, rich, well-draining soil.
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Grown in shadier areas in warmer climates.
Self-Fertile
Yes
Growth Rate
Medium
Zone Hardiness
Outdoors 7-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Small Pot Size: Grown from seed. Ready for bountiful harvests within 1 year.
Medium Pot Size: Grown from seed. Ready for bountiful harvests within 6 months - 1 year.
Large Pot Size: Ready to harvest now, bountiful harvests within 6 mons - 1 year.
