Tea Care Guide

Franklinia Tea

Franklinia has a history of being used as tea and was highly valued by those who knew how to prepare it. As a small tree reaching 10–25 feet in height and 6–15 feet in width, it is easy to harvest. This American native plant belongs to the Theaceae family, making it a relative of the traditional tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, Franklinia alatamaha was discovered in 1756 by botanists John and William Bartram along the Altamaha River in Georgia. The tea made from Franklinia is naturally decaffeinated, offering a healthier alternative to processed decaffeinated teas.

Ornamental Value & Growing Conditions

Franklinia is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, with glossy leaves turning bright orange to deep red in autumn. Its white flowers bloom from summer until frost, resembling tea camellia blossoms, and provide a striking contrast against the fall colors.

• Landscape Use: Specimen native tree

• USDA Zones: 6–9 (best in Zones 6–7)

• Soil: Moist, well-drained

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

Leaves can be used fresh or dried for tea.

 

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Tea Camellia (Camellia sinensis) Care Guide

Harvesting

• Cut twigs with 2–3 fresh young leaves (first flush).

• Pluck individual leaves—this also prunes the plant and encourages new growth.

Processing Method at Edible Landscaping Nursery

• Drop small fresh leaves in boiling water for 15 seconds. Dry in a dehydrator and store in glass jars.

• Spread leaves on a sheet of paper in a warm place for 24 hours, allowing them to wither and lose about 40% of their moisture.

Rolling & Drying:

Japanese-Style Green Tea:

1. Roll leaves lengthwise as tightly as possible between both hands to create long, twisted shapes.

2. Place on foil in a warm oven (below 100°C / 245°F) for up to 5 minutes.

3. Do not burn the tea!

Orthodox Indian Tea:

1. Roll leaves in a circular motion, pressing firmly to crush and break them.

2. Store in a paper bag for 1–2 days to ferment, reducing the green taste and developing a richer tea character.

3. Remove any stalks, roll briefly, and dry in a warm oven (below 100°C / 245°F) for up to 5 minutes.

Brewing

• These methods preserve leaf size and produce a light, aromatic tea.

• Home processing does not yield a dark, strong tea like commercial methods.

• To brew, place a few leaves in a pot or bowl, add boiling water, and steep to taste.

Aftercare

• Trim as needed; the best tea comes from young, freshly grown leaves.

 

Camellia Sinensis (Tea Plant) Overview

The Camellia sinensis or tea plant is an elegant, hardy evergreen shrub with small, fragrant, white jasmine-like flowers. It grows slowly and is best maintained at around 4 feet tall through pruning.

Growing Requirements:

• Soil: Neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained

• Light: Sun or partial shade

In zones 6 & 7 winter injury can happen. Choose a location sheltered against the winter winds such as the East side of a structure. The East side will also give summer shade in the afternoon. Honey bees are very attracted to tea and is one of the few pollen source plants in the fall.

Easy Tea Method

1. Pick young leaves.

2. Dry and store them in a jar.

3. To brew:

• Boil water and turn off the heat.

• Add tea leaves and steep to taste.

• Enjoy!