Central Florida’s warm, humid climate is ideal for growing a variety of plants that can be used to make tea. Check the list below and consider getting started with a variety starter pack!
Herbal Tea Plants
Herbal tea plants that thrive in Central Florida are generally well-suited to the region’s warm, humid subtropical climate. These plants are resilient to Florida’s high temperatures, frequent rains, and sandy soils, making them ideal for outdoor gardens or container gardening. Here’s a general description of the characteristics and care needs of common ‘herbal tea’ plants.
1. Mint (Mentha species)
- Varieties: Spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint.
- Ideal for: Cooling herbal teas.
Growing Mint
- Light: Thrives in partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler months.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with good organic matter.
- Water: Regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid waterlogging.
- Spacing: Plant 12–24 inches apart as mint spreads rapidly. Consider growing in containers to control its spread.
Harvesting Mint
- Start harvesting once the plant reaches 6–8 inches tall.
- Pick leaves early in the morning for the strongest flavor.
- Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Flavor: Lemon-like, soothing.
Ideal for: Calming teas.
Care: Grows well in full to partial sun.
3. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Flavor: Citrusy and slightly sweet.
- Ideal for: Refreshing and digestive teas.
Growing Lemongrass
- Light: Full sun is ideal.
- Soil: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil.
- Water: Needs consistent watering but avoid soggy conditions.
- Spacing: Plant 24–36 inches apart; lemongrass can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide.
- Propagation: Divide clumps of mature plants or use rooted stalks.
Harvesting Lemongrass
- Cut stalks close to the ground when they are at least ½ inch thick.
- Peel off the tough outer layers to use the tender inner stalks.
- Save the leaves for tea by drying them.
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile)
- Flavor: Mild and floral.
- Ideal for: Relaxation and stress relief.
Growing Chamomile
- Light: Full sun, though partial shade is fine in very hot weather.
- Soil: Prefers light, sandy soil with good drainage.
- Water: Water lightly; chamomile is drought-tolerant once established.
- Spacing: Plant 8–12 inches apart.
Harvesting Chamomile
- Harvest the flowers when they are fully open but before they begin to wilt.
- Pick flowers by hand or use a small rake.
- Dry flowers in a well-ventilated, shaded area for later use.
5. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
- Flavor: Tart and fruity.
- Ideal for: Iced tea or tea blends.
Growing Hibiscus
- Light: Full sun is essential for optimal flower production.
- Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
- Water: Regular watering, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Spacing: Plant 3 feet apart; hibiscus can grow up to 8 feet tall.
- Growing Season: Best grown as an annual in Central Florida.
Harvesting Hibiscus
- Dry calyces in a single layer in a shaded area or use a dehydrator.
- Harvest the calyces (the red, fleshy part) after the flower petals have fallen.
6. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum or Tulsi)
- Flavor: Slightly spicy and sweet.
- Ideal for: Immune-boosting and calming teas.
- Care: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
7. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Flavor: Spicy and warm.
- Ideal for: Soothing digestive teas.
Growing Ginger
- Light: Partial shade to filtered sunlight.
- Soil: Rich, loamy, and well-drained soil. Mix compost into planting beds.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Planting: Use pieces of ginger rhizomes with at least one “eye” or bud. Plant 2–4 inches deep.
- Spacing: Space 12 inches apart.
Harvesting Ginger
- Wash and peel rhizomes before using fresh or drying for tea.
- Begin harvesting 8–10 months after planting when the leaves start to yellow.
- Carefully dig up the rhizomes, leaving some in the soil for replanting.
8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Flavor: Earthy and mildly spicy.
- Ideal for: Anti-inflammatory teas.
- Care: Prefers partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Classic Tea Plants
Camellia sinensis (Tea Plant)
- Varieties: Green, black, or white tea.
- Ideal for: Traditional tea-making.
Growing Tea Plant
- Light: Partial shade to full sun.
- Soil: Acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), well-draining soil. Use organic mulch to maintain acidity.
- Water: Regular watering but avoid standing water.
- Pruning: Prune annually to maintain bushy growth and make harvesting easier.
- Planting: Space plants 3–5 feet apart.
Harvesting Tea Plant
- Pick the top two leaves and a bud for tea production.
- For green tea, steam or pan-fry the leaves immediately to prevent oxidation.
- For black tea, allow leaves to oxidize before drying.
Other Tea Plants
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
- Use: Natural sweetener for teas.
- Care: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Raspberry or Blackberry Leaves
- Use: Earthy, mildly sweet tea base.
- Care: These berries grow well in Florida’s climate.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Flavor: Woody and aromatic.
- Ideal for: Unique savory teas.
- Care: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Elderflower and Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- Flavor: Floral and lightly sweet.
- Ideal for: Immune-boosting teas.
- Care: Needs full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
Benefits of Growing Tea Plants
- Freshness: Enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients for your tea.
- Health Boost: Many tea plants, like ginger and chamomile, have medicinal properties.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce waste by growing and harvesting your herbs.
- Biodiversity: Attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with flowering herbs such as mint and chamomile.
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