Jan–MarApr–JunJul–SepOct–Dec
Planting
Days to maturity
Seasonal yields
Sow indoors · Direct sow · Transplant outdoors
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Plant · P-933
Tea
Camellia sinensis
Tea is an evergreen shrub or small tree grown for its leaves which are processed into green black white and oolong tea depending on oxidation - the same plant supplies every style. Two principal varieties differ in cold tolerance: the China type var. sinensis is hardier and the Assam type var. assamica needs milder winters. Wants acidic well-drained soil in the pH 4.5-6 range and is intolerant of alkaline or calcareous ground. Prefers ample and fairly steady moisture through the growing season - 70 to 310 cm annual precipitation reported - though established plants tolerate heat and short drought. Grows in full sun to partial shade; light shade from taller trees suits it well. Typically 10-15 ft tall and 6-8 ft wide though commercial plantings are pruned to 4-5 ft for hand or machine harvest. Slow growing; propagated from seed or cuttings.
Record at a glance
Growing profile
- Sun
- Full Sun · Partial Sun
- USDA zone
- USDA 7–9
- Soil
- Sand · Loam · Clay
- Moisture
- Well-Drained · Moist
Vertical layer
Shrub- Soil pH
- 4.5–6
- Plant type
- Evergreen Tree
- Mature height
- 10–15 ft
- Mature spread
- 6–8 ft
- Plant spacing
- 6–12 ft
- Root type
- Tap
- Spread pattern
- Seed
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The deeper layer
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- Primary
- Locked ecological function
- Secondary
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- Byproduct
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Behind the record
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