Buying a tea plant allows you to grow and process your own "true" teas—including green, black, oolong, and white—directly from your garden or home. This evergreen shrub is not only functional but also ornamental, producing fragrant white flowers in the fall and winter. Choosing the Right Variety
When shopping, you will primarily encounter two main varieties, each suited to different climates and flavor preferences: : Climate : More cold-hardy, suitable for USDA Zones 7–9 .
: Produces bold, robust, and malty teas, often used for black teas or chai. Where to Buy buy tea plant camellia sinensis
Tea plants are available from various online nurseries and specialty sellers. Prices typically range from depending on the size and maturity of the plant. Tea plant - Camellia sinensis - Kew Gardens
: Tends to produce nuanced, floral, and delicate teas like green or white tea. Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Assam Tea) : Buying a tea plant allows you to grow
: Prefers tropical/subtropical environments and is less cold-tolerant than the Chinese variety.
: Smaller leaves; thrives in cool, high-altitude regions. : Produces bold, robust, and malty teas, often
: Larger leaves and faster growth in warm, humid areas.