Grow your own tea?

[TeamanRS125]

Has anyone tried to grow their own tea? I looked into it. It might be a little tough for me due in fact it's to cold in the winter here.

[jayinhk]

Might be doable indoors under grow lamps, at least through the colder part of the year; you might want some UV in the mix to substitute for the high mountain UV exposure if you're into high mountain teas. I'd keep nutrient levels low and go organic, since too much chlorophyll makes teas unpleasant. I'd read up on tea cultivation if I was going to go that route!

http://www.rodalenews.com/grow-your-own-tea

This would be a long-term endeavor and better suited to someone in the south, or with a greenhouse that doesn't get too cold through the winter. If I had the space I'd absolutely start some tea plants--I can buy cuttings directly from China.

[bonescwa]

Never heard of indoor tea growing... However once in a while beginners bring this up and it's not really feasible the way growing grapes and making wine is, for example

[jayinhk]

It's totally feasible as long as you're willing to put in the effort; most feasible in the south and Hawaii though!

[bonescwa]

I mean yeah you can grow C. sinensis plants for decoration but to grow enough that picking and processing the leaves results in a significant amount of tea that's drinkable/enjoyable sounds pretty tough to me.

[Evan Draper]

http://usgrowntea.wordpress.com/