Could Tea Grow In The USA?

If one decides to drink a cup of tea, there is one thing to consider: Where the tea came from. Most of the tea that one drinks will most likely come from Asia, mainly India, China, or Japan. Having thought of this, it brings up an important question: Could tea grow in the USA?

Why ask this question? Well, it could be an important jump start to the economy to grow tea on a large scale in the USA. If grown in the USA, there would be a ready market for this tea, as many Americans and Canadians drink tea. The question is, however, could it be done?

Well, to figure this out, one must consider the climate types in which tea will be the most successful on a commercial scale. Although in theory, tea can be grown in marine climates, such as Washington State and in southern England, they aren't tea producing regions by any stretch. This is a plant that grows mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. At least 50 inches of rain per year are required for this plant, and it grows best in acidic soil. Basically, due to climate, this cuts out most of the USA. Most of the USA would be too cold or too dry for this plant to thrive.

This would basically leave the Southeast USA as a potential place to grow tea. In fact, there is tea being grown near Charleson,SC. The Charleston Tea Plantation is America's largest tea garden,which is found on Wadmalaw Island. It's also the first place in America to grow tea.

Charleston Tea Plantation

With tea being able to grow near Charleston,SC, there are other places, such as near Savannah,GA, and along the Gulf Coast region from Florida to Texas. There would be the potential to grow tea in the Deep South, mainly South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Texas would also have tea growing potential. The climate is good for grown tea. Tea grows best in USDA zones 7-9.

So really, it is a question of why MORE tea isn't being grown in the USA. If not climate, then could it be cost of production? Demand? Who knows. It leaves alot to think about.












Sources:
http://www.rodale.com/grow-your-own-tea