Camellia sinensis

Germination

Sow indoors immediately. Prior to sowing soak seed in warm water for 24 hours. There is a hard coating around the micropyle(the opening where the pollen tube enters the seed) this should be filed down to leave only a thin covering. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 23°C. Germination takes 1-3 months approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse for their 1st winter. Acclimatise and plant out when at least 15cm tall.

Growing

Prefers woodland or acidic soil in partial sun. Offer protection from cold, dry, winds. Buds may be damaged by cold winds and late frosts. Perhaps best pot grown under glass.

Cultivation

Best grown in pots in the UK and moved outside in warm, summer months. Water with rain water ideally. Repot in spring as required. Tips of new shoots can be harvested to make tea. Requires frost-free winter protection, ideal in a porch or conservatory. Allow water to dry out between waterings. Prefers a dry atmosphere.