Seedlings
Price: TBC
Young starts for patient gardeners and hedges in the making.
Florida Tea
Tea plants grown in Trenton, Florida — ready for your garden, hedge, or cup.
Camellia sinensis
Why grow tea in north Florida
True tea is a living evergreen shrub — cold hardy here, fast growing, and as useful in the landscape as it is in the kettle.
- Cold hardy for north-central Florida gardens
- Fast growing — handsome as a shrub or trimmed hedge
- Beautiful white flowers with golden centers
- Brew your own hot or iced tea from fresh leaves
A brief story
A short history of tea
Tea begins in China, where Camellia sinensis was cultivated for centuries before it traveled along trade routes to Japan, India, Africa, and beyond. Every cup of green, black, oolong, or white tea starts with the same plant — differences come from how the leaves are harvested and processed.
In the American Southeast, growers have long known the plant thrives in acidic soils and humid summers. Today a quiet revival of small plantings — from backyard bushes to specialty farms — is putting tea back into local gardens. Florida Tea is part of that story: young plants started here in Trenton, ready for your patch of ground.
In the garden
Growing & harvesting in Florida
Tea is forgiving once established. Give it the right start, and north-central Florida’s climate does much of the rest.
Site & soil
Plant in full sun to light afternoon shade. Tea prefers acidic, well-drained soil — think azalea conditions. Work in organic matter, mulch generously, and water regularly the first year while roots settle in.
Climate
Our plants are cold hardy for this region. Young pots still appreciate protection on rare hard freezes; mature bushes shrug off typical winters. Humid summers and mild winters suit tea well.
Care
Prune to keep a tidy bush or a dense hedge. Feed lightly with a fertilizer meant for acid-loving plants in spring. Watch for scale or leaf pests like you would any camellia — healthy plants usually need little fuss.
Harvest
Pluck the soft young tips — the classic “two leaves and a bud.” Warm months bring the most growth; light, frequent picking keeps fresh leaves coming. At home you can dry leaves for a simple green-style tea, or wither and oxidize them toward a blacker cup. Start small, taste as you go, and enjoy the experiment.
In the cup
Why drink tea
Tea is one of the world’s oldest everyday drinks for good reason. Leaves of Camellia sinensis are naturally rich in plant compounds people often seek for everyday wellness — and a warm or iced mug is a calm ritual in a busy day.
- A flavorful way to stay hydrated without sugary sodas
- Naturally occurring antioxidants from the tea leaf
- A quiet daily pause — hot at dawn or iced on a Florida afternoon
This is general garden-and-kitchen talk, not medical advice. If you have health questions, ask a qualified professional.
Cash & carry
Plants & sizes
Seedlings through two-gallon pots. Pickup only — we don’t ship.
1-gallon pots
Price: TBC
Established plants ready for the landscape this season.
2-gallon pots
Price: TBC
Larger plants with a head start — shrub or hedge sooner.
Availability varies. Call or message ahead if you’re after a particular size. Prices to be confirmed — ask when you visit or get in touch.
Local pickup
Visit Florida Tea
All plants are potted and ready for pickup. Cash and carry — no shipping or handling.
Douglas Williams8039 SE 9th Ave
Trenton, Florida
352-284-9982
dougwamor@gmail.com
Say hello
Contact
Questions about sizes, timing, or growing tea at home? Call, email, or use the form below.