About this seed
About this species
Camellia sinensis is the accepted tea species in the Theaceae family. Kew records its native range from the eastern Himalaya to southern China and northern Indo-China and describes it as a subtropical shrub or small tree. Both familiar tea varieties belong within this species, but unlabelled seed should not be assigned to a particular cultivated variety without evidence.
Sowing guide
- Soak intact seeds in room-temperature water before sowing and discard any that are clearly damaged.
- Use a moisture-retentive but free-draining acidic propagation mix in individual pots.
- Sow about one seed thickness deep and water gently.
- Keep warm in bright, indirect light with even moisture and fresh air.
Tea seed is relatively large and is best handled carefully and sown without long delay. Do not crack the shell or keep the pot saturated. Germination can be gradual, so leave sound sowings undisturbed.
Seedling care
Protect young seedlings from harsh midday sun while gradually increasing light. Maintain even moisture but allow drainage after every watering. Pot on before roots become crowded and protect from severe frost.
Seed-grown plants vary and are not guaranteed to reproduce a named tea cultivar or a particular beverage profile. The plant can be maintained as a shrub through pruning where climate and local cultivation conditions are suitable.
Seed note: Seeds are living material. Germination speed and percentage vary with seed age, storage, temperature, moisture and local conditions. Label the sowing date and treatment, keep the medium clean, and allow a reasonable period before judging the batch.