UK Tea Growing?

Question

I fancy having a tea plant so that I can make my own cups of tea. I know I won't get amazing crops (I only want a window box of it) and I know it won't be Tetleys, but I'd still like to do it.

BUT, is it possible to grow tea in the UK without lots of equipment? Any particular species that will grow better than others?

Answer 1

Funny you should ask this.I have just been reading in the Daily Express that tea merchants in Harrogate have planted China Jat bushes in a plantation on small hills, they have imported acidic soil to grow them in.It will take about 2 years to harvest. Thats a long while to wait for a cuppa don't you think.Carry on buying your tetleys.

Answer 2

Wow! that's a big question, I don't see why you can't grow a tea plant in the U.K. I've been to Shri Lanka and the tea is grown in the mountains there, making it into your favourite brew might be a bit more difficult as the "tips" need to ferment for a few days to get that distinctive taste, still it's worth a go, I don't know offhand where you could get a tea plant, try the Internet, Oh! and by the way, they grow about three feet high, so a bit difficult in a window box! The 'proper' name for a tea plant is 'Camellia Sinensis'. Good Luck!

Answer 3

i dont think you mean leaf tea could it be wakee backee leaves

Answer 4

You've already asked this one, I've already answered it - what else you want?

Answer 5

Taylor's of Harrigate Yorkshire,have just planted there first tea plants on an estate in Yorkshire(camellia).they say our climate is good enough to grow tea.

Answer 6

Support God and Queen buy the British Tea.  Tea Tax is a wonderful tax which helps England and it's colonies.  

A British Loyalist

"George Washington and our founding traitors should be hung on a tree"

Answer 7

You can actually buy tea plants "Camellia sinensis"  in B&Q of all places, and from some specialist mail order garden/plant nurseries. They like warmth and humidity. I had one for a few years. You don't need any specialist equipment, although to make green tea from the leaves is easy, black tea is a little harder as you have to process the leaves.