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has anyone grown tea?

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  • has anyone grown tea?

    Just looking at it as an idea. Seems it can be commercially grown as far north as Scotland and is apparently hardy to -5C

    "As with all camellias it likes an acid, well drained soil, and will tolerate some snow and frost, but not brutally cold winters. For best flavour light shade is recommended. Camellia Sinensis is an evergreen shrub. Be aware if not kept at wait high it will grow to 2 metres or so, more of a tree than a shrub. The flowers are a pretty white with yellow centre, and scented." says http://www.chezphil.co.uk/home-garden/growing-tea-uk/

    As I'm on clay, it may be a challenge for the well-drained soil bit, and in the hill-stations of north London the climate should be OK.

    Has anyone done it? did you get a cuppa off it?

    Mike

  • #2
    I had one many many years ago, for some strange reason I never picked any leaves for tea, just grew it as a nice evergreen in a pot.
    Nestled somewhere in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Good soil, strong winds and 4 Giant Puffballs!
    Always aim for the best result possible not the best possible result

    Forever indebted to Potstubsdustbins

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    • #3
      I got one a few weeks ago, but still haven't planted it out as I haven't figured out a place for it yet. Still on the patio.

      Got clay soil too, but I'm pretty much gardening on raised beds mostly, so I was thinking on doing that in one corner except I don't want to lose that planting space. I got some big black pots and I was wondering on keeping it there.

      Also, plonked a grape on some raised earth, rocks and compost, and crossing my fingers that that drainage system works - is it called a burm? berm? - so I'm mulling over that option too.

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      • #4
        I think I'm just going to buy some and shove them in... what's the worst that could happen?

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        • #5
          I've just had a look. Beautiful looking plant. Where are you getting your plants from? I'd love to grow some here - we spend a small fortune on tea - but it doesn't look like conditions here are good. Shame.

          Good luck. Make sure to report back.

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          • #6
            If it can grown in the Himalayas and Scotland, it's got to be pretty tough...

            I will keep the forum updated.

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            • #7
              I have a tea bush in a pot on my patio, I think I got it from Pennards - it’s doing rather well here in Devon. I haven’t actually tried brewing tea from it yet as I am not fond of green tea and not sure of the correct process for drying the leaves to make black tea.

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              • #8
                Bought seeds though I couldn't get any to germinate

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Jonny.D View Post
                  Bought seeds though I couldn't get any to germinate
                  It looks quite involved to get seeds to germinate. I think I'll just go for bushes

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