This is the Tea of commerce. Most common drank liquid on the earth after water. Handsome evergreen shrub with shiny, thin, leathery, oval shape leaves used in the production of Tea. The leaves contain the stimulant caffeine. Scented white flowers with golden stamens are produced in the fall and winter. Numerous medicinal benefits are due to the antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Plants are hardy to USDA Zone 7. Prefers rich, moist, acid soils and regular feedings. They also grow very well indoors as a container plant. Maintain the container Tea at 4 foot height for easy picking and production of lots of growing tips. For Green Tea pick the top 3 leaves and buds of a growing tip, this is called a flush and this can be done every 10 days during the growing season for a total of 7-10 pickings. Take the fresh picked leaves and dry them in the shade and let them wilt for a few hours, the edges of the leaves will start to turn red as they begin to dry. Spread the leaves on a cookie sheet and dry in the oven at 250F for 20 minutes. Store the dried leaves in an air tight dark container. Put the leaves in a cup and pour boiling water over them to make your own real Tea. For Black Tea and Oolong Tea go online for easy directions. Our sale 2 Tea Plants are actively growing in 2.5-inch pots and will be ship in the pot. WE ALSO HAVE LIVE COFFEE PLANTS!