Tea
Camellia sinensis
About Tea
Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water. Two main varieties are cultivated: C. sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese, small leaf, for green and white tea) and var. assamica (Assam, large leaf, for black tea). China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka are the largest producers. In East Africa, tea is the leading foreign exchange earner for Kenya and a major employer. All tea types (green, black, oolong, white) come from the same plant — processing method determines the type. Tea bushes are long-lived (80-100+ years) and are maintained as hedges through regular plucking, which stimulates continuous new growth (flush).
Growing Conditions
Full sun to partial shade — some shade improves quality in premium tea production
1,500-2,500 mm annually, well distributed. Drought causes flush failure and reduced yield.
Well-drained, acidic soil. pH 4.5-5.5 (tea is an acid-loving plant). Deep, friable, volcanic or forest soil.
Optimal 18-25°C. Grows at 600-2,200 m in tropical highlands. Moderate cold tolerance but not hard frost.
High humidity (70-90%) promotes flush growth but also blister blight.
Perennial — first plucking 3-4 years after planting. Year-round harvesting in tropics with seasonal flush peaks.
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Plant on well-drained slopes in acidic soil — tea does NOT grow in alkaline conditions
Space at 1.2 × 0.6 m for hedgerow planting (13,000 plants/ha)
Begin plucking training at 2-3 years to establish proper plucking table
Pluck every 7 days (fine pluck: bud + 2 leaves) for quality, 10-14 days for bulk
Prune bushes every 3-5 years to maintain productivity and bush structure
Apply sulfur-based fertilizers — tea responds well to sulfate of ammonia
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Tea?
Perennial — first plucking 3-4 years after planting. Year-round harvesting in tropics with seasonal flush peaks.
What soil does Tea need?
Well-drained, acidic soil. pH 4.5-5.5 (tea is an acid-loving plant). Deep, friable, volcanic or forest soil.
How much water does Tea need?
1,500-2,500 mm annually, well distributed. Drought causes flush failure and reduced yield.
What are the most common diseases affecting Tea?
The most common diseases are: tea blister blight. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Tea?
Good companions include: silver-oak, grevillea. Avoid planting near no specific plants.
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