Did you know that you can grow and harvest your own tea plant at home?
Tea is the world’s second most popular beverage after water, and with so many tea lovers around, having a fresh supply right at home sounds like a dream. The good news? Growing tea is easier than you might think. By the end of this blog, you might just feel inspired to start your own tea journey—right from your garden or balcony.
One Plant, Many Teas
Surprisingly, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea all come from the same plant—Camellia sinensis. This evergreen shrub belongs to the camellia family and can easily be grown as a garden plant or in a container.
So how do different teas come from the same plant?
It all depends on how the leaves are processed after harvesting, especially the level of oxidation. But before we get into that, let’s understand how to care for your tea plant.
Caring for a Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis)
The tea plant is a hardy shrub that grows up to about 6 feet tall in containers and can be pruned to stay compact. While it may not be available everywhere, you can usually order one from a local nursery or online plant stores.
Once you have your plant, caring for it is quite simple.
Light
Tea plants grow best in full sun to partial shade. More sunlight encourages stronger growth. If your plant is new, allow it some time to adjust before exposing it to harsh sun.
Water & Fertilizing
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Tea plants prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
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Water when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry, ensuring the soil is soaked thoroughly.
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Use an acidic fertilizer (like those used for camellias or azaleas) during spring and summer.
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Fertilize every couple of weeks at half strength.
Location
Tea plants thrive in mild climates (hardiness zones 7–9). If you live in a cooler region, keep the plant in a pot and bring it indoors during winter.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain size and encourages new growth. Since new leaves are ideal for making tea, regular pruning is essential for a healthy, productive plant.
Harvesting Tea Leaves
Your tea plant usually needs about two years to mature before you can start harvesting. Over time, it becomes a generous producer of fresh leaves.
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Always use new, light-green leaves and buds.
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Prune in late winter.
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In early spring, once new shoots appear, wait until 2–4 leaves unfurl, then gently pick the top two leaves and a bud using your fingers.
You can harvest every 1–2 weeks, and each harvest encourages more growth.
From Leaf to Tea: Understanding Oxidation
Once harvested, the flavour and type of tea depend on oxidation (sometimes called fermentation). Oxidation occurs when leaves are exposed to air, causing them to darken and develop richer flavours.
Let’s explore how to make different teas at home.
How to Make Green Tea
Green tea undergoes no oxidation, which gives it its fresh, earthy flavour.
Steps:
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Steam the freshly picked leaves for 1–2 minutes (or dry-cook them lightly in a pan).
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Use immediately or dry them in a low oven (200–250°F / 90–120°C) for 10–20 minutes.
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Store in an airtight container.
Brewing:
Use 1 teaspoon of leaves with hot water (not boiling). Steep for 2–3 minutes.
How to Make Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is partially oxidized.
Steps:
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Gently bruise the leaves by scrunching or shaking them.
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Let them rest for 30 minutes to a few hours until lightly browned.
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Dry in a low oven for up to 20 minutes.
Brewing:
Use nearly boiling water and steep for 5–8 minutes.
How to Make Black Tea
Black tea is fully oxidized, resulting in a bold, robust flavour.
Steps:
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Firmly scrunch or roll the leaves to release juices.
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Let them oxidize until completely brown (a few hours or overnight).
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Dry in a low oven for 20 minutes or more.
Brewing:
Use nearly boiling water and steep for 3–5 minutes.
Experiment & Enjoy
Once you start making tea at home, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different drying times, leaf ages, buds, stems, or preparation methods to discover flavours you love.
At The Tea Shelf, we believe tea is not just a beverage—it’s an experience rooted in nature, care, and curiosity. Whether you grow your own or explore handcrafted blends, every cup tells a story.
Happy Brewing!
