tea plantation

Explore the World of Tea Cultivation (Tea Cultivation Guide)

Introduction to Tea Cultivation in Sri Lanka 🌿

Art of Tea🌱☕

Sri Lanka, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is one of the world's leading tea producers, famous for its high-quality Ceylon Tea. Tea cultivation has been a vital part of Sri Lanka’s agriculture and economy for over a century, with its unique climate and geography providing ideal conditions for growing premium tea varieties.

This Tea Cultivation Guide provides a step-by-step approach to understanding how Sri Lanka maintains its rich tradition of growing some of the finest teas in the world. 🌍

Best Temperature, Rainfall, and Altitude for Tea Cultivation

Tea (Camellia sinensis) thrives in specific environmental conditions to ensure high-quality yields.

Temperature:
- Optimal range: 13°C to 30°C.
- Growth slows below 13°C and is stressed above 30°C.
- Frost can damage tea leaves, so frost-prone areas should be avoided.
Rainfall:
- Requires 1,200 to 2,500 mm of rainfall annually.
- Well-distributed rainfall is ideal, with dry periods before plucking to enhance flavor.
Altitude:
- Grows from 200 m to 2,500 m above sea level.
- High-altitude teas (Darjeeling, Sri Lankan teas) develop a distinct aroma and flavor.
- Low-altitude teas grow faster but may lack strong flavors.

Major tea growing areas in Sri Lanka.

Soil Preparation and Nutrient Requirements

Tea plants require fertile, well-drained soil with balanced nutrients.

Soil Type:
- Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5 - 6.5).
- Loamy or sandy-loam soils with good aeration.
- Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soils.
Soil Preparation:
- Clear land and remove weeds before planting.
- Apply organic matter (compost or manure) to improve soil fertility.
- Plow and level the land to prevent soil erosion.
Nutrient Requirements:
- Nitrogen (N) – Promotes leaf growth and dark green color.
- Phosphorus (P) – Supports root development.
- Potassium (K) – Enhances disease resistance.
- Organic supplements like vermicompost or green manure can improve soil health.

Preparation of planting tea plants before transplanting

Planting & Propagation

- Seed Propagation:
  1. Used for developing new tea plant varieties.
  2. Requires 3-5 years before the first harvest.
  3. Plants show genetic variation, affecting quality.
- Cutting Propagation (Vegetative):
  1. Preferred for commercial plantations.
  2. Maintains uniform quality and yield.
  3. Cuttings from high-yielding plants are grown in nurseries before transplanting.

Best Spacing and Planting Techniques

Spacing:
- Single-row planting: 60 cm – 90 cm apart.
- Double-row planting: 100 cm apart, with 30-40 cm spacing in rows.
- Dense planting increases yield but requires proper pruning.
Planting Methods:
- Contour planting – Used in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion.
- Terracing – Levels the land to improve stability and water retention.