Commercial Tea Growing In Europe Is Very Niche, But It Exists. In Rare Locations The Conditions Suit. But Where In Europe?
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I was recently in the Azores and visited a tea plantation that was claimed the only one in Europe. I knew that was wrong. We have one in England. In this article I explain where and How To Grow Tea in the UK.
Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) typically thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with abundant rainfall, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. However, certain regions in Europe have successfully established tea plantations, thanks to microclimates and innovative agricultural practices.
Key Regions for Tea Growing in Europe:
Azores, Portugal
The island of São Miguel in the Azores is home to Europe’s oldest and most well-known tea plantation, Chá Gorreana. Established in 1883, it produces black and green tea. The mild, humid climate and volcanic soil of the Azores provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation.
Interestingly the machinery being used in the Azores was quite ancient, but manufactured in the UK.
The Azores also produce some very fine wines .. more on that another day. Back to tea!
United Kingdom
The UK has seen a rise in small-scale tea plantations in recent years, particularly in Cornwall and Scotland.The Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall is the first commercial tea plantation in England, producing black, green, and herbal teas. The region benefits from a mild, maritime climate. And it would be easy to imagine that that is as far north as tea could be grown in the UK. But that is not the case.
Tea is grown commercially in the Orkneys, on Arran and on Skye. There are also tea growing enterprises in at least ten other locations in Scotland.
Here’s a video about one of them. The Scottish Tea Organisation (yes, there is such a thing) can be viewed via the link.
Georgia
While geographically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has a long history of tea production dating back to the 19th century.The country’s subtropical climate in regions like Guria and Adjara supports tea cultivation, though the industry has faced challenges since the Soviet era. There’s more on the Renegade Tea website.
Switzerland
Switzerland has a small but notable tea plantation in Cham, near Lake Zug. The Tea Garden of Switzerland grows tea in greenhouses, leveraging controlled environments to overcome the cooler climate. This link is to a non commercial tea plantation, but is interesting nevertheless.
Germany
In Germany, tea is grown on a small scale in regions like East Frisia, known for its tea-drinking culture. There is another one near Cologne. However, most of the tea consumed in Germany is imported.
Italy
Italy has experimented with tea cultivation in the northern regions, particularly in Lucca, Tuscany. TheLa Compagnia del Tè plantation produces small quantities of high-quality tea.
How To Grow Tea In The UK: The Challenges
Climate: Europe’s cooler climate is not naturally suited for tea cultivation, requiring greenhouses or specific microclimates.
Labour Costs: High labour costs in Europe make it difficult to compete with major tea-producing countries like China, India, and Kenya. But being European makes it unique and sought after by some people.
Scale: Most European tea production is small-scale and artisanal, limiting its global market presence.
Trends and Innovations:
Specialty Teas: European tea growers often focus on high-quality, specialty teas to differentiate themselves in the global market. It is the only way to be cost effective.
Sustainability: Many European tea producers emphasise organic and sustainable farming practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Tourism: Tea plantations in Europe often double as tourist attractions, offering tours, tastings, and cultural experiences. the one I visited in the Azores certainly did.
Future Outlook:
While Europe will likely never rival major tea-producing regions in volume, its niche market for high-quality, locally grown tea is expanding. Innovations in agriculture and a focus on sustainability and tourism could further boost the industry.
So why not grow your own tea?
How To Grow Tea In The UK
Growing tea (Camellia sinensis) in the UK is possible, with the right conditions and care. While the UK’s climate is not naturally ideal for tea cultivation, we can successfully grow tea plants by mimicking the plant’s preferred environment.
Here’s my advice for UK gardeners:
1. Choose the Right Tea Variety
Opt for cold-hardy varieties of Camellia sinensis, such as Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea plant), which is more tolerant of cooler temperatures than Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Assam tea plant).
Some UK nurseries and online suppliers sell tea plants specifically bred or acclimatized for cooler climates.
2. Select a Suitable Location
Climate: Tea plants prefer mild, humid conditions. In the UK, coastal areas or regions with milder winters (e.g., Cornwall, southern England, or sheltered urban gardens) are ideal.
Sunlight: Tea plants need partial shade to full sun. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade works well.
Shelter: Protect the plant from strong winds and frost by planting it near a wall, fence, or hedge. Alternatively grow it in a greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory. You only need 1-2 plants for a household … unless you drink a lot of tea.
3. Prepare the Soil
Tea plants thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.
Test your soil’s pH and amend it if necessary. Use ericaceous compost,
Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
4. Planting
When to Plant: Spring or early autumn is the best time to plant tea, allowing the roots to establish before winter.
Spacing: If planting multiple tea plants, space them about 1.5 meters apart to allow for growth. A bit less in the average conservatory of course!
Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. Watering and Mulching
Tea plants need consistent moisture but dislike waterlogged soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., pine bark or wood chip is ideal) around the base of the plant to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
6. Feeding
Feed tea plants with an acidic fertilizer (e.g., ericaceous feed) in spring and summer to promote healthy growth.
Avoid over-feeding as this can damage the plant.
7. Pruning
Prune tea plants lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.
Remove any dead or diseased branches to keep the plant healthy.
8. Winter Protection
Tea plants can tolerate light frosts but may need protection during harsh winters.
Cover the plant with horticultural fleece or move potted plants to a sheltered location (e.g., a greenhouse or conservatory).
9. Harvesting
Tea plants typically take 2–3 years to mature before you can harvest leaves.
Harvest the young, tender leaves and buds in spring and early summer. These are the best for making tea.
Pluck the top two leaves and the bud from each stem.
10. Processing Your Tea
Green Tea: Steam or pan-fry the leaves to stop oxidation, then dry them.
Black Tea: Wither the leaves, roll them to release enzymes, allow them to oxidise (turn brown) and then dry them.
Oolong Tea: Partially oxidise the leaves before drying.
Experiment with different processing methods to create your preferred tea flavor.
Tips for Success:
Container Growing: If your garden soil is unsuitable, grow tea in large pots filled with ericaceous compost. This also allows you to move the plant indoors during winter.
Patience: Tea plants grow slowly, so be patient and consistent with care.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for pests like aphids and scale insects. Treat infestations with organic insecticides. I use a pressure washer on plants to remove some insects … just do it from a distance or you will shred the plant!
