In plant science research, the term ‘accession’ refers to research plants for which cultivar names are yet to be determined. UF/IFAS research on appropriate tea ‘accessions’ which can be grown in Florida is ongoing, as finding the right combinations of temperature and soil outside of its native Asia that allow Camellia sinensis, the plant source of all ‘true’ teas, including black and green teas, can be tricky.

While UF/IFAS researchers work on fine-tuning all the right growing conditions for tea, growing plants for tisanes (herbal infusions aka herbal ‘teas’) in your garden does not require years of research.

Yaupon holly is a source of caffeinated herbal tea (tisane) which has been grown and used by indigenous people of the North American continent for hundreds of years. Leaves are typically dehydrated/roasted, crushed/ground, then steeped.

Great options for growing a source of non-caffeinated herbal teas (officially known as tisanes) in your garden which can be refreshing either hot or cold, are lemongrass and roselle. Lemongrass is a low-maintenance plant, tolerant of a wide variety of soil pH and fertility levels. The leaves can be steeped fresh or dried. It self-seeds so be cautious of planting it in the ground as it can easily dominate your garden. Mint is another self-seeding plant commonly grown for use as an herbal tea (tisane), but it requires well-drained soil to thrive. Mint varieties can run the gamut from peppermint, and spearmint to ‘lemon-mint’.

One of the fascinating things about growing plants for tisanes, is that there are some plants which are not grown for their leaves. Roselle is a member of the Hibisicus species, and rather than the leaves, it is the plant’s deep red calyxes which are steeped to produce a vibrant, tart, beverage. Other sources of herbal teas (tisanes) which are grown for parts other than the leaves, include turmeric and ginger. Turmeric ‘tea’ is produced by harvesting, slicing/grinding and steeping the root tubers to produce a deep amber liquid. Ginger ‘tea’ is also produced by harvesting the rhizomes of the ginger plant,  then slicing/grinding and steeping. Click here to learn more about growing plants for herbal teas.

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