Tea grown in the United States

There is actually a strong trend in a few countries, US included, to grow tea commercially. I think the market environment will change in a decade or so. Growing a few tea trees in one’s backyard is really a big luxury for us city dwellers, more so in super-crowded, super-expensive properties in Hong Kong. I really envy you guys over there. Perhaps I should be moving to the rural area some day.

Are you starting to plant yet? I am quite interested to do the same, and hoping to make tea that I can really drink.

@ Betty, US has extremely strict rules in bringing into the country living plants. I remember one other member doing home-grown tea in California. Maybe you can ask him/her? Or you may ask some of the smaller domestic tea farms to see if they can sell you the plant. MEversbergII’s link above could perhaps give you some clue.

That’s very good info! Thanks a lot  😉 I checked it out and the article gives two different sources. I think only Camellia Forest Nursery carry the kind of Camellia for tea. I hope I’ll have good updates soon.

I am at 4500′ elevation in Arizona and have 35 acres.  I wonder if our dry climate is to challenging for tea plants.

Elevation 4500′ approx 1300m so it is good for tea growing. Dry climate is big problem. Tea trees need 1000mm rain a year and general humid environment. Soil pH best at 4.5－6.5. Too much wind is not good too

@ mcharlap, you may need a green house if you need to plant tea there in Arizona, where I think the RH is below 50%. You need to run a micro environment above 70% on average plus regular misting. And yes, no strong wind.