How to Grow Tea at Home

There is nothing more refreshing than sitting down to sip a hot cup of tea, nothing more refreshing that is, unless that hot cup of tea is the fruit of your labor. Growing tea at home is a fun hobby that enables you to experiment with different tastes and herbs.

The tea plant, or Camellia Sinensis plant, is actually a shrub that thrives best in in dry sandy soil that is on the acidic side. It fares best in tropical or subtropical climates. If living in a cooler climate, plant in a planter that you can easily move indoors with the cold weather, or put in a greenhouse. The Camellia Sinensis plant can grow rather large unless you prune it down and blossoms with wonderfully scented flowers. Ideally, you should prune this plant to about six feet.

The Camellia Sinensis plant usually takes three years to mature before you should start harvesting it. Tea is hand plucked, and only the freshest leaves and buds should be harvested about every two weeks. Although there are many types of tea, three main flavors can be harvested off this particular shrub. If you prefer green tea, make sure you pick the youngest leaves and leaf buds. You can let the leaves air dry in the shade for a few hours before you steam them (like you would a vegetable.) If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can also roast the leaves in the oven. Store in an airtight container until you plan to use them.

For a Oolong tea, again pluck the freshest leaves and buds, however this time let them sit in the sun for about 45 minutes until they are wilted. Let the leaves sit at room temperature for several hours until the edges begin the turn red, then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 250 degrees.

For Black tea, pick young leaves, but roll them in your hand, crushing the leaves and buds until they turn a dark red. Spread them out and let them dry for about three days before baking them as before.