Tea
Synonym: Thea sinensis, Camellia bohea, Camellia thea, Thea bohea, Thea sinensis
Family: Theaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 4-9, 12 14-24 USDA: 7b-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy at least to 20° F (-6° C) Heat Tolerance: Questionable in summer in Phoenix Sun Exposure: Light shade Origin: South-east Asia, China to India and Sri Lanka Growth Habits: Rounded evergreen shrub, up to 15 feet tall (4.5 m), 15 feet spread (4.5 m) or more Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist Propagation: Seeds, hardwood cuttings with bottom heat. |
The leaves of the tea plant provide the tea of commerce. The terminal shoots with 2 or 3 leaves are collected, every week or every other weeks. They can be heated immediately to stop any fermentation, this provides green tea, or they can be rolled and fermented for several hours before being oven heated and dried, this provides the black tea.
Cultural Practices:
The Tea bush prefers an acid soil rich in organic matter.
Blooming Habits:
The 1.5 inches-wide fragrant white flowers come in the fall. They are generally self-sterile and are pollinated by insects.
Fruiting Habits:
Propagation:
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.
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