SOLD OUT for 2017--poor summer conditions at our seed source has resulted in no seed available this year, we hope to be back in production for Spring 2018.
Grow your own tea outdoors in Coastal B.C.!
Those of us who enjoy a cup of tea, be it Green, Oolong, Black or Orange Pekoe are all drinking the leaves of a single species of Camellia, Camellia sinensis. It is often assumed that this is a tropical or sub-tropical plant, associated as it often is with Northern India and other Asian climes. Tea is much hardier than one might think: certain varieties are hardy enough to thrive and produce here on the Northwest Coast.
Primary among these is a Russian variety of tea known as 'Sochi', named after the region in which it is commercially grown. Often described as one of the Northernmost teas commercially grown, Sochi is a productive and vigorous plant. Now, the claim to being "Northernmost" requires some qualification: a quick look at the map will show that Sochi, Russia, while northern in terms of latitude enjoys a Southwestern exposure on the shores of the Black Sea. Palm trees grow in downtown Sochi. Despite this, Sochi tea has proven to be quite hardy, and is quickly becoming the most common variety grown in B.C. (and the Northwest as well).
We have been trialing a few 'Sochi' plants in our garden since 2007, and despite at least one extremely cold winter (-10 C to -12 in our garden), all have survived. Some sources are reporting hardiness to -17 C (0 F). As one would expect with a Camellia, the one sited to get afternoon shade is thriving and flowers profusely in the late Fall/Winter. We routinely harvest tea, and have enjoyed fresh green tea and passable black tea. At this stage, we are confident that Camellia sinensis 'Sochi' is an excellent candidate for BC coastal growers who wish to add tea to their gardens, farms, or perennial beds.
They are evergreen, and once established flower profusely in the late fall/early winter. In our experience, they have a clear preference for afternoon shade (they are Camellias after all). They are generally un-bothered by pests or diseases.
Grow your own tea outdoors in Coastal B.C.!
Those of us who enjoy a cup of tea, be it Green, Oolong, Black or Orange Pekoe are all drinking the leaves of a single species of Camellia, Camellia sinensis. It is often assumed that this is a tropical or sub-tropical plant, associated as it often is with Northern India and other Asian climes. Tea is much hardier than one might think: certain varieties are hardy enough to thrive and produce here on the Northwest Coast.
Primary among these is a Russian variety of tea known as 'Sochi', named after the region in which it is commercially grown. Often described as one of the Northernmost teas commercially grown, Sochi is a productive and vigorous plant. Now, the claim to being "Northernmost" requires some qualification: a quick look at the map will show that Sochi, Russia, while northern in terms of latitude enjoys a Southwestern exposure on the shores of the Black Sea. Palm trees grow in downtown Sochi. Despite this, Sochi tea has proven to be quite hardy, and is quickly becoming the most common variety grown in B.C. (and the Northwest as well).
We have been trialing a few 'Sochi' plants in our garden since 2007, and despite at least one extremely cold winter (-10 C to -12 in our garden), all have survived. Some sources are reporting hardiness to -17 C (0 F). As one would expect with a Camellia, the one sited to get afternoon shade is thriving and flowers profusely in the late Fall/Winter. We routinely harvest tea, and have enjoyed fresh green tea and passable black tea. At this stage, we are confident that Camellia sinensis 'Sochi' is an excellent candidate for BC coastal growers who wish to add tea to their gardens, farms, or perennial beds.
They are evergreen, and once established flower profusely in the late fall/early winter. In our experience, they have a clear preference for afternoon shade (they are Camellias after all). They are generally un-bothered by pests or diseases.