Florida Tea | Camellia sinensis Plants in Trenton, FL

Camellia sinensis

Why grow tea in north Florida

True tea is a living evergreen shrub — cold hardy here, fast growing, and as useful in the landscape as it is in the kettle.

Cold hardy for north-central Florida gardens
Fast growing — handsome as a shrub or trimmed hedge
Beautiful white flowers with golden centers
Brew your own hot or iced tea from fresh leaves

Florida Tea is a registered nursery inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Registration #48025148.

A brief story

A short history of tea

Tea begins in China, where Camellia sinensis was cultivated for centuries before it traveled along trade routes to Japan, India, Africa, and beyond. Every cup of green, black, oolong, or white tea starts with the same plant — differences come from how the leaves are harvested and processed.

In the American Southeast, growers have long known the plant thrives in acidic soils and humid summers. Today a quiet revival of small plantings — from backyard bushes to specialty farms — is putting tea back into local gardens. Florida Tea is part of that story: young plants started here in Trenton, ready for your patch of ground.

White tea flower with yellow stamens among glossy green leaves — Tea blossoms — white petals, golden centers.

In the garden

Growing & harvesting in Florida

Tea is forgiving once established. Give it the right start, and north-central Florida’s climate does much of the rest.

Site & soil

Plant in full sun to light afternoon shade. Tea prefers acidic, well-drained soil — think azalea conditions. Work in organic matter, mulch generously, and water regularly the first year while roots settle in.

Climate

Our plants are cold hardy for this region. Young pots still appreciate protection on rare hard freezes; mature bushes shrug off typical winters. Humid summers and mild winters suit tea well.

Care

Prune to keep a tidy bush or a dense hedge. Feed lightly with a fertilizer meant for acid-loving plants in spring. Watch for scale or leaf pests like you would any camellia — healthy plants usually need little fuss.

Harvest

Pluck the soft young tips — the classic “two leaves and a bud.” Warm months bring the most growth; light, frequent picking keeps fresh leaves coming. At home you can dry leaves for a simple green-style tea, or wither and oxidize them toward a blacker cup. Start small, taste as you go, and enjoy the experiment.

In the cup

Why drink tea

Tea is one of the world’s oldest everyday drinks for good reason. Leaves of Camellia sinensis are naturally rich in plant compounds people often seek for everyday wellness — and a warm or iced mug is a calm ritual in a busy day.