Russian Sochi Tea

The Russian Sochi Tea Plant is a captivating evergreen shrub originating from Sochi, Russia. This remarkable plant produces the leaves used to make some of the world's finest teas. Its glossy, dark green leaves are not only ornamental, but also emit a delightful aroma that enhances the tea-making experience.

To prepare tea, simply harvest the young and tender leaves, then gently dry and steep them in hot water. The result is a flavorful and aromatic cup of tea.

Besides its role in tea production, the Russian Sochi Tea Plant can be an attractive addition to gardens or as an ornamental indoor plant, with dark sawtooth-edge foliage and delicate white flowers. It thrives in partially shaded to full sun conditions, and in temperate climates can be grown outdoors, but it's also suitable for indoor cultivation.

SELECT YOUR KIT

PLANT ONLY:

$0.00

POTTING ESSENTIALS KIT:

$69.99

COMPLETE GROWER KIT:

$154.99

Plant Only + Complimentaries

Russian Sochi Tea-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Russian Sochi Tea seedling, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 plant tag

Russian Sochi Tea + Potting Essentials Kit

Russian Sochi Tea-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Russian Sochi Tea seedling, 1 Veradek Mason Kona Planter, 1 bag of Shrubb Signature Potting Mix, 1 shaker of Organic Plant Magic Plant Food, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 plant tag

Russian Sochi Tea + Complete Grower Kit

Russian Sochi Tea-Shrubb-
This kit includes: 1 Russian Sochi Tea seedling, 1 Veradek Mason Kona Planter, 1 bag of Shrubb Signature Potting Mix, 1 shaker of Organic Plant Magic Plant Food, 1 bag of rice hulls (for pest and weed protection), 1 large potting mat, 1 pair of pruning shears, 1 gardening journal, 1 plant tag

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Get plant insurance to guarantee a free replacement plant if yours dies within the first year. Read more about plant insurance here..

Where do I grow best?

How to care for me:

Full-Sun

Russian Sochi tea thrives in partial shade to full sun, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and stress. Position the pot in a bright area, such as a partially shaded patio or balcony. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light distribution on all sides of the plant.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by watering regularly. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows.

Soil Nutrients

Fertilize in early spring and supplement throughout the growing season with occasional light fertilization. As tea is a lover of acidic soil, consider sprinkling a half a teaspoon of unused coffee grounds. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.

Dormancy

During winter dormancy, Russian Sochi tea plants experience a slowdown in growth. In colder climates, protect the plant from frost by moving it indoors or to a sheltered area. Reduce watering during this period, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Resume regular care in early spring when new growth begins to emerge.

Harvest

Harvest tea leaves when they are young and tender, usually in early to mid-spring. The first two to three leaves and the bud are typically the most desirable for tea production. Gently pluck the leaves by hand, ensuring not to damage the plant. The harvested leaves can be processed immediately for green tea or fermented for black tea.

Pests and Disease

Pests and disease often vary greatly by region. In terms of insects, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!

Growing in Less Ideal Climates

While the region indicated on the map above specifies where this plant grows best, the virtue of growing plants in pots is that, with a little elbow grease, you can create your own environment. These are our tips for anyone attempting to grow alpine strawberries in other climates.

Colder Regions

In extremely cold climates, protect your tea plant from severe frost by bringing it indoors or covering it with frost cloth during winter dormancy. Reduce watering in winter, but make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Consider wrapping the pot in bubble wrap to insulate the roots from extreme cold.

Hotter Regions

In hot, dry climates, place your Russian Sochi tea plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. Water the plant deeply and frequently, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.