Botanical name: Camellia sinensis.
Family Theaceae.
The chromosome number of tea is 2n=30.
1. Climatic conditions:
Tea is generally grown in warm and humid climates with an average temperature of 20-30°C. It requires an annual rainfall of 150-300 cm, and a relative humidity of 70-80%. Tea is typically grown in areas with altitudes between 600-2000 meters above sea level.
2. Soil:
Tea can be grown in a variety of soils, but it thrives best in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5-5.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and susceptible to good drainage.
3. Propagation:
Tea is typically propagated through vegetative means, using cuttings or clonal propagation.
4. Planting:
Tea seedlings can be planted in the field when they are 8-10 months old, during the rainy season. The seed rate is generally around 2-3 kg/ha, and the spacing is usually around 1m x 1m.
5. Irrigation:
Tea requires regular irrigation from the day of sowing to ensure that the plants receive enough water.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
Tea plants require a balanced dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended dose is usually around 250-300 kg/ha of nitrogen, 60-80 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 120-150 kg/ha of potassium. Organic manures such as compost or farmyard manure are also used to supplement the soil.
7. Training and pruning:
Tea plants need to be trained to grow in a specific shape to allow for easy plucking. Pruning is also necessary to remove unwanted growth and maintain the plant's size and shape.
8. Varieties:
There are many varieties of tea, but some of the most popular include Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, and China.
9. Maturity indices:
The maturity of the tea leaves is determined by the degree of oxidation that they undergo during processing. The leaves are typically harvested when they are young and tender, usually within the first 2-3 leaves.
10. Harvesting stage and yield:
Tea is typically harvested by hand, using a process called plucking. The leaves are then processed to produce black, green, or oolong tea. The yield of tea varies depending on a variety of factors, including the age of the plant, the climate, and the level of care provided. On average, a well-maintained tea plantation can produce around 2,500-3,000 kg/ha of tea annually.
