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Camellia sinensis seeds - Tea

Camellia sinensis
Tea Plant

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An evergreen bush with dark green, toothed foliage and fragrant white flowers, which appear twice a year, in June and October. It originates from the mountainous regions of Asia, where it is cultivated for its leaves used in tea production. It reaches 2.50 metres in our climate and adapts well to acidic soil and humid temperate climates. Sowing requires soaking the seeds, and germination may take several weeks. Its hardiness does not exceed -12°C.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Partial shade
Germination time (days)
60 days
Sowing method
Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
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Sowing period February to April
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Flowering time June, October
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Description

Sowing seeds of the Tea Plant, or Camellia sinensis, allows you to grow an authentic tea bush. This evergreen bush, a close relative of camellias, develops a spreading habit and dark green, glossy, toothed foliage. Its small white flowers with yellow stamens are charming. Native to the mountainous regions of Asia, it is cultivated there for its leaves, which are used in tea production after fermentation or drying. Growing from seed allows you to discover all the growth stages of the tea bush and obtain a unique bush for your garden or pot.

Camellia sinensis belongs to the Theaceae family and originates from southern China, though it is also cultivated in Japan, India, and other parts of the world with a mild and humid climate. In its natural habitat, it can exceed 10 metres in height, but in our latitudes, it remains more modest, rarely surpassing 2.50 metres, with an upright, spreading habit and relatively slow growth. Its dense, evergreen foliage consists of small, ovate, toothed and glossy leaves, measuring 4 to 8 cm long. It flowers twice a year when left unpruned. The 2.5 to 4 cm diameter, single flowers are composed of 5 green, persistent sepals and 5 to 8 white to pale yellow petals surrounding a centre of yellow stamens. Its solitary or clustered flowers (in groups of three to four) are followed by capsule-like fruits containing the seeds. Hardy down to -12°C, it adapts to temperate and humid climates, which are quite humid, cloudy, and with minimal seasonal temperature variations. Elsewhere, it should be given a sheltered position in winter and protected from the scorching sun in summer. It requires protection during intense cold spells.

Perfect for Japanese, cottage, or exotic gardens, the tea bush pairs well with shrubs like rhododendrons, pieris, or perennials such as heathers and meadow rues, which share its preference for acidic soils. It can also be grown as a hedge due to its density or in pots on a shaded terrace, with winter protection in case of severe frosts.

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Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Olivier 15 min.
Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Read article

Camellia sinensis seeds - Tea in pictures

Camellia sinensis seeds - Tea (Flowering) Flowering
Camellia sinensis seeds - Tea (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June, October
Flower size 3 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2.50 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Camellia

Species

sinensis

Family

Theaceae

Other common names

Tea Plant

Botanical synonyms

Thea viridis, Thea bohea

Origin

India, China, East Asia

Product reference23984

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Planting and care

To sow Camellia sinensis, start by soaking fresh seeds in water for 24 hours. Discard any that float, as they are less likely to germinate. Plant the seeds that have developed a crack in their shell after soaking. Sow them horizontally, burying them 2 to 3 cm deep in a light, well-draining, and acidic substrate, composed of ericaceous compost and sand. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20 and 25°C, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Place the seedlings in partial shade, under 80% shade cover. Germination typically occurs within one to two months. Once the seedlings have developed three to four leaves, gradually expose them to more intense light, reducing the shade to 30-40%. Apply a small amount of slow-release fertiliser, suitable for acid-loving plants, to encourage their growth.

Once the young plants are sufficiently developed, they should be transplanted into individual pots before being planted out in the ground or containers, in a location sheltered from wind and harsh sunlight.

Sowing period

Sowing period February to April
Sowing method Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 60 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Free-standing, Container, Hedge, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil moisture Moist soil, draining, humus-bearing, rich

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