Camellia sinensis var assamica seeds

The Camellia sinensis var assamica plants live right next to several other cultivars in our tea garden, so these open-pollinated seeds will likely have a great deal of genetic variation.  In previous years, seedlings have produced a wide range of characteristics: small leaves, the usual large assam-type leaves, and even the burgundy new growth typically only seen in 'Rosea' and tetraploids.

Harvested in October, the current crop is ready to ship and will be ready to plant as early as January.

About C. sinensis var assamica:

C. sinensis var assamica, or what we call "assam-type", often take more of a tree- than shrub-form with large, dark green leaves.  Vigorous growth provides abundant tips to harvest from and make excellent black teas.  This variety of tea has origins in Yunnan, China and northern India which are mild climates so this plant is not very cold hardy. There are reports of 50 foot trees growing in the wilds of Yunnan. In Zone 7b, these plants will appreciate some protection from cold weather. We do grow these outdoors but the plants have frozen to ground level several times in the last 15 years. They sprout from the base and quickly reach 4' tall.

Zones 8-9
Leaf size: Large (5"+)

**Seed orders are processed as time allows and are shipped via USPS.  Please allow up to one month for delivery.