The Assam tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a variety of tea plant that is native to the Assam region in northeastern India. It is known for producing the bold, malty, and robust tea that is commonly referred to as Assam tea. Here's a detailed description:
Physical Characteristics:
Size:
The Assam tea plant is typically a large, fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) in height when left unpruned.
It is often cultivated as a smaller bush, especially in commercial tea plantations where it is kept pruned to around 3-4 feet (1 meter) to make harvesting easier.
Leaves:
The leaves of the Assam tea plant are large, broad, and dark green.
They are more robust and thicker compared to the leaves of the Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis), which is another variety used for tea production.
The leaf edges are serrated, and they have a leathery texture.
Flowers:
The flowers of the Assam tea plant are small, white to pale pink, and have a subtle fragrance. They bloom during the colder months of the year.
The flower petals have five distinct lobes and are somewhat similar in appearance to those of other Camellia varieties.
Buds:
The young leaves and buds are used for harvesting tea. These tender buds are typically covered with fine, silvery hairs, contributing to the texture of the tea.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Assam tea plants thrive in tropical climates, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). They prefer high humidity and receive plenty of rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.
Soil: The plant grows best in acidic, well-draining, fertile soil, often found in the hilly regions where it is cultivated.
Elevation: While Assam tea plants can grow at sea level, they do best at elevations between 300 and 1,200 meters (1,000 to 4,000 feet).
Tea Production:
Assam tea is known for its bold, malty flavor, which is achieved by the larger leaves and the tropical growing conditions.
The tea leaves are typically harvested twice a year – first flush (early season) and second flush (mid to late season). The second flush produces the most prized and flavorful tea, rich in malty notes.
The Assam tea plant is central to the region's economy and is famous worldwide for producing strong, black teas. Its unique characteristics make it a favorite in breakfast teas and blends, such as English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast.
✅Planting And Care
✅Sunlight
Sunlight of more than 6 hours a day is ideal for flowering and fruit development of the plant.
✅Soil
The soil should be well drained, fertile and rich in organic content.
✅Watering
Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
Apply 4 cup(approx. 200 ml) of water when the top soil (1-2 inch) in the pot feels dry to touch.
Do not overwater the plant.
As a rule of thumb, water the plants thoroughly in summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
Water should be applied preferably in the morning or evening.
✅Application of Fertilizer
Before application of fertilizer loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so, it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily.
Apply organic fertilizer once a month during the main growing season (December-February)
Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.
✅Re-potting
When a plant outgrows in current pot, re-pot with fresh potting soil and some fertilizer.
Do the re-potting late evening and keep the plant in shady area for 2 to 3 days and then move the plant in its suitable climatic condition.
✅Plant Protection
Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the plants.
For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.
✅Don’ts
Do not over-water the plant especially when pot does not have drainage holes.
REC: After getting (( VERY VERY IMPORTANT )) the plants, AVOID exposing them to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf BURN. AVOID overwatering your plants. The primary reason for outdoor plant demise is excessive watering.
Planting: Excavate a hole double the size in width and depth compared to the polybag that contains your plant. Fill it up, blending compost with the topsoil. Insert the plant into the newly loosened soil. It is essential to water both Rare Live Plant & Regular (Morning 300ml).
NOTE 1: The plant may appear dry due to transportation time.Aquinnah however, the plant is still healthy because it is an outdoor plant. Place it back in the soil, apply the included fertilizer, water it, and monitor it for a week. It will restore its freshness.
Note 2: image is for reference only. Appearance of actual product may vary based on factors such as climate, age, and height.
✅ Easy To Grow
✅Hybrid Varient
✅Suitable for Indian Climate
✅best plant for garden.
✅Safe and Good Packaging
✅Easy Grow in pot