Tea.........can you grow it in this country?

[Snadger]

I've taken a liking to drinking strong tea lately. We have probably discussed growing it way back in the distant past, but wondered whether someone could refresh my memory.

[veggiechicken]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...erb_31018.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ops_66847.html

I'm sure there are more..........

[burnie]

Isn't someone in the West Country doing some serious growing, sure I saw it on the tele this past year.

[veggiechicken]

Tregothnan estate

[Snadger]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...erb_31018.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ops_66847.html

I'm sure there are more..........

2009 and 2012..................time for another go perhaps?

[happyhumph]

Tregothnan estate

Beat me to itVC. Think you need it warm and mild.

[DannyK]

And I thought thought they grew it in Yorkshire!

Big problem is you'll need acid soil.

[fishpond]

A big + is Tea leaves come in their own little growbags----time for another Brandy.
A MERRY XMAS TO ALL YOU SPECIAL PEOPLE.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...qDDui-B8BGH1TU

[Kirk]

It is a camellia so needs an acid soil, not sure how acidic. However the main "difficulty" may be the picking and the manufacture of the actual tea.

The leaves, fresh ones at the tip, have to be picked and dried, kind of sun dried not oven or microwave. Not sure if a small dehydrator for drying fruit would work, and I am not sure if they need "additional" as in fermenting?

One of the "Food Uncovered" programs covered tea production in Uganda about a week ago, likely on one of the replay things if you search.

But it is not a case of grow a plant, pick a few leaves and lob into a cup.

Think a few UK places grow it but not well known and not sure what is produced. I would guess that "strong" tea is not freshly picked but a lot of drying to concentrate the tannins that are present.

May be better to spend half an hour on google for English tea farms and if possible go visit one and take an "interest" in how they grow and how they produce. They likely sell plants as well.

[4Shoes]

There is a Tea Lady over in Cree Town - just outside Newton Stewart. The Tea Garden was features on the Border TV last month. There is a link on here web page to the article.

Garrocher Tea Garden – Growing Tea in Scotland

There are a number of tea gardens down the west coast. Perhaps it has to do with the continental drift

[Snadger]

If I only require enough to try some home made tea, a couple of bushes should do. Worst case scenario these can be grown in pots under glass.

[veggiechicken]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...sis_65060.html

https://www.edenproject.com/shop/Tea...GoogleMerchant

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016...s-perfect-for/

[Snadger]

Camellia Sinensis - 5 - 20 - 50 Seeds - A Nice Cup Of Tea Plant !!! | eBay

I think i could probably afford £2.60 to dip my foot in the water.

[veggiechicken]

Found this too https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item...ellia_sinensis
Looks like an attractive plant, whatever it does!

[KevinM67]

I'd rather drink comfrey or nettle tea.