When to plant Tea plant?

Camellia sinensis thrives in a large container rather than open ground in temperate Europe, as it needs to be moved indoors before the first frosts. Choose a pot at least 40 cm in diameter with excellent drainage holes. Use ericaceous (acid) compost or a mix of loam and peat-based compost; tea plants demand acidic soil and will suffer in alkaline conditions. Position your tea plant in partial shade or morning sun with shelter from harsh afternoon light and strong winds. A spot on a patio or terrace that receives dappled light is ideal. Full sun is tolerated only if the plant is kept consistently moist and not exposed to scorching midday heat. Plant in May once all risk of frost has passed, or in September while the soil is still warm. If potting a young plant, set it at the same depth it sat in its nursery pot—burying the stem too deeply encourages rot. Firm the compost gently around the roots and water thoroughly to settle the mix and eliminate air pockets. Space plants 100 cm apart if you're growing several in a row of containers. After planting, apply a 3–5 cm layer of ericaceous mulch (pine bark or composted pine needles work well) to conserve moisture and maintain acidity. Water again if the top few centimetres of compost dry out in the first fortnight. Avoid using tap water in hard-water areas; rainwater is far better for acid-loving camellias. Stake young specimens loosely if they're top-heavy, but most tea plants develop a sturdy, bushy framework without support.