Growing Camelia sinensis in Southern California
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Bill & Ellen Schoenbeck
Posted on: June 29, 2003

We are very interested in trying to grow Camelia Sinensis here in Southern California. Specifically San Diego a few miles inland. I believe we are zone 9 or 10. We typically get temperatures in the 80’s during the summer with a few weeks in August and September of 90’s. We rarely get freeze or frost in the winter months. Our soil is pretty bad heavy clay and poorly drained but that can be remedied by either container or raised bed planting. Do you think that the plant can be grown here? Also, is it ok for you to ship to Southern California given the states rules on plants coming in? Thanks very much for your time in answering these questions.

As far as we know tea, Camellia sinensis, should grow just fine in your area, provided you correct the clay soil problem. We don’t specifically have reports of customers growing it in southern California, but we can tell you that it hardy in the Carolinas where they are known to thrive.

Yes, we do ship plants and seeds to California. All of our plants are pre-approved for shipping to the U.S. and come with the necessary phytosanitary certificate. It is always possible, however, that some states and counties impose restrictions that we are unaware of, so to be absolutely sure, you are advised to check with your local department of agriculture office.

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