Conditions suitable for the growth of tea trees

Tea trees are native to subtropical regions and have developed characteristics of liking temperature, humidity, and shade during their phylogenetic process.

The optimal temperature for tea tree growth is generally between 18-30 degrees Celsius, with an average annual temperature of 15-23 degrees Celsius. The highest critical temperature for the growth of tea trees is generally 45 degrees Celsius. If it exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, the growth of new tea shoots will slow down or stop; When the temperature continues to exceed 45 degrees Celsius, tea tree branches will wither and leaves will fall off.

In winter, the minimum temperature for tea tree branches to withstand low temperatures is -16~-6 degrees Celsius, and the requirements for the minimum temperature vary depending on the variety. Large leaf varieties generally have a temperature of -6 degrees Celsius, while medium and small leaf varieties generally have a temperature of -16~-12 degrees Celsius (those planted in northern tea regions are all medium and small leaf varieties).

Every spring, when the average temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius or above for 5-7 consecutive days, the new shoots and buds of tea trees begin to sprout and grow.

The optimal temperature for tea seed germination is 25-28 degrees Celsius. The annual effective accumulated temperature of 4000-8000 degrees Celsius is suitable for the growth of tea trees, with around 6000 degrees Celsius being the most suitable. The soil temperature between 10-25 degrees Celsius is suitable for the growth of tea tree roots; The most suitable soil temperature is 25-30 degrees Celsius; In soil below 10 degrees Celsius, the root growth of tea trees is slower.

Under low temperature, dry and windy weather conditions, tea trees are most susceptible to freezing; Tea trees above 1000 meters in altitude also suffer from frost damage. Generally speaking, in mountainous areas with a certain altitude, abundant rainfall, abundant clouds and mist, high air humidity, strong diffuse light, and large temperature differences between day and night are all conducive to the growth and development of tea trees and the synthesis and enrichment of organic matter in tea leaves.

The most suitable annual precipitation for tea tree growth is about 1500 millimeters. Tea trees generally require a soil relative water holding capacity of 60% to 90%. The relative humidity of the air is 70%~90%, and below 50% is not conducive to the growth and development of tea trees. Long term accumulation of water in the soil is also not allowed. Excessive soil moisture and poor ventilation can hinder the development of tea tree roots. Tea trees can grow normally in weakly acidic soil (pH 4.0~6.5), with pH 4.5~5.5 being the most suitable.

The soil texture is generally better with sandy red soil, which has the characteristic of loose texture. The root system of tea trees is relatively developed, usually with a main root length of over 100 centimeters. To promote the growth of tea tree roots, the soil layer thickness should be at least 100 centimeters, and the mature and semi mature layers should be 50 centimeters. The subsoil should have weathered, soft, loose, and porous parent rock.