People ask us all the time – Does tea grow in Tasmania? or, Can I grow tea plants in Tasmania? The answer is Yes!
The Camellia sinensis is an evergreen shrub that grows slowly but surely in our Tasmanian climate.
Where does tea grow in Tasmania? At 43 degrees latitude, the most southerly tea plantation in the world is 25km southwest of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
This small commercial plantation, at Allen’s Rivulet, is at an altitude of 200m above sea level and receives an annual rainfall of about 1350mm. The half-hectare crop can be harvested up to 4 times a year, between November and February. The plantation was established in the mid 1990’s as a trial to see if and where the tea plants would grow in Tasmania, lucky for us they do, and locally, even if it is only a small yield per year.
Tasmania does not have a warm and humid climate, better known in the Northern hemisphere tea growing regions, and we also get our fair share of winter frosts, hence the lower yield, but the Camellia sinensis does grow successfully on our island State. These slow-growing plants are hardy like most Camellias. In fact, Camellias are one of the most popular flowering plants grown in people’s gardens in our State, so it makes sense that the tea variety “Camellia sinensis” will also grow. But if you live in the State and want your own tea crop dont expect a big bounty from your own tea plants, nor quickly.
Fortunately, the art of tea stocks the Tasmanian grown tea. We have the straight green tea and black tea, and occasionally stock the oolong and white tea.
These locally grown teas from the only commercial tea plantation in Tasmania are enjoyed by people who prefer a lighter brew.
Try the Tasmanian Grown teas here:
https://www.artoftea.com.au/product-category/tasmanian-grown/
Read about the growers here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-03/tasmanian-tea-farm-viable-rival-wine-industry/7216322?nw=0
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