This day, this wonderful 25th of July, 2013, I have made two new friends. Their names are Winifred and Wilson and might I say, they are perfect. Okay, yes I sound like a sappy new mom but seriously, these plants will be my children for the next however many years (hopefully forever.) It's a big commitment! Plants don't grow up and go to college. It's not like once you've had them for 18 years you can just dump them! Tea is forever, you know.
A little about these guys: I ordered them from www.greenteaplants.com (Big thanks to the people there!) They seem healthy and happy, even after a long journey via USPS flat rate shipping. It's amazing what you can get online these days.
The species of plant is called Camellias sinensis. These plants come as just these little sprouts of things and somehow, they will grow to be as tall as you'll let them. For the ease of picking, they can stay at about waist hight with regular pruning.
They prefer relatively dry soil, slightly sandy, and between a pH of 4.5 and 6. I, however, don't have all these things readily available so I mixed some typical potting soil with garden soil (which usually has a lower pH anyway) and moistened it a few days ago so that it wouldn't be wet, but still damp for the plants' arrival.
Once the plants are robust enough, I will be able to make my first harvest. Currently, Wilson and Winifred only have about six leaves each... not even enough to make half a tea bag between the two of them! They're cute but they're fragile right now. They need some time to grow and flourish. Hopefully come spring I'll be making my first harvest.
They seem happy to be out of the little box they came in. I know I'd be. For now, they will be in a shady area so that they can become accustomed to light slowly. They've traveled a long way from Florida-- about three days! Imagine opening your eyes into bright sun after three days in a dark room. Yeah. I wouldn't like it either.
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| My beautiful children. Winifred on the left, Wilson on the right |
