Camellia sinensis CHINESE TEA (6 seeds)

Tea tree or chinese tee is a hardy, slow-growing tree native to Asia and belongs to the Theaceae family.
It can reach 4 to 5 meters in height at maturity.

Its evergreen foliage is leathery, thick, smooth, and glossy.

Its thick flowers are white with a yellow center and begin to appear in early October.

Tea seeds come from Camellia sinensis; they are large and round, measuring 1 centimeter in diameter. They are brown with a small light-colored spot. Its fruits are green capsules that turn brown as they ripen, each containing one to four seeds.

- Properties:

Tea Varieties and Production

The tea plant, or Camellia sinensis, is the shrub at the origin of all major tea families: green, black, white, yellow, or oolong. The diversity of these beverages depends entirely on harvesting and processing methods, such as the oxidation or roasting of young leaves. Today, the use of tea extends beyond classic infusion with the rise of matcha a fine green tea powder increasingly prized in pastry making for its unique color and aromas.

Antioxidant Benefits and Vitality

Thanks to its natural richness in polyphenols and theine, the tea plant is a valuable ally for daily well-being. Its components offer protection against oxidative stress while providing gentle stimulation that promotes concentration. However, excessive consumption can impact the absorption of certain nutrients like iron. For regular use regarding a specific health goal, it remains essential to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to adapt your consumption.

Tea Plant Actives in Cosmetics and Skincare

In dermo-cosmetics, tea plant extracts are highly acclaimed for their toning and protective virtues. Integrated into anti-aging treatments or hair lotions, its active ingredients help preserve skin radiance and hair strength against external aggressions. This versatile plant thus combines gustatory pleasure with skincare rituals, establishing itself as a must-have ingredient for natural beauty and a modern lifestyle.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period for sowing tea is from April to May.
• Sow the seeds 1 cm deep in previously moistened peat or ericaceous soil pots.
• Place the light-colored part of the seed facing downward.
• Water copiously with rainwater.
• Place the culture in a warm spot. The growing temperature must be at least 30°C; a small greenhouse is recommended to naturally increase the temperature.
• Germination will begin between 6 and 12 weeks.

- Soil Type:

You must use acidic pH soil; the plant will not tolerate any other type of soil.

- Exposure and Light:

I recommend choosing a very bright or partially sunny location. Full sun may turn the leaves red due to UV rays.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It will easily withstand significantly negative temperatures down to -15°C. However, it fears extreme heatwaves.

- Watering:

The tree is water-intensive and requires plenty of watering during the summer period. I recommend mulching the base with pine bark.

- Propagation:

There are two methods for propagation: you can reproduce it either by sowing seeds or by taking stem cuttings during the summer.