Wannong 85 – A robust tea plant for your home

Your entry into the world of tea cultivation

If you're thinking about buying your own tea plant, it's worth taking a closer look at the Wannong 85 cultivar. This Camellia sinensis variety has several characteristics that make it an ideal choice for hobby tea gardeners in Central Europe. In this article, I'd like to not only introduce you to the origins and special features of Wannong 85, but also show you why it's such a great fit for your garden—or even on your balcony.

Wannong 85 was originally selected in China and bred specifically for colder regions. In Zhejiang Province, considered by many to be the region of origin for some of China's most famous teas, this variety was developed to increase frost resistance while ensuring high-quality tea. The name "Wannong" refers to the tea research institute of the same name in China, which has been breeding robust tea varieties for decades. The "85" in the name stands for the year the variety was selected – an indication that this cultivar already has a certain history and has proven itself over many years. What makes this cultivar so special is its ability to adapt quickly to new climatic conditions – one reason why we at Growing Karma made a conscious decision to choose it. While its original home is in Asia, its genetics are surprisingly well suited to Brandenburg's continental climate – with cold winters, warm summers, and a certain amount of dryness.

When considering purchasing a tea plant , one often asks oneself: "Is it easy to care for? Will it survive the winter?" The answer for Wannong 85 is a clear yes. The plant grows quickly, develops strong shoots, and is surprisingly unfazed by occasional frost. Of particular interest to gardeners is Wannong 85's strong root development. This not only makes it more resistant to cold, but also ensures that it copes well with periods of low soil moisture—a significant factor in the increasing drought of the summer months. Its leaves are medium-sized, slightly glossy, and a rich green—it's clear at first glance: this plant is brimming with vitality. The plant also reacts more calmly to pest infestation than many other varieties. This is due, among other things, to the genetic diversity maintained by sowing (rather than propagating from cuttings).

The leaves of Wannong 85 are ideal for various types of tea. You can process them into green tea – fresh, floral, with a pleasantly smooth base. Or you can ferment them into black tea, which, thanks to this cultivar, acquires a round, slightly malty aroma with fruity notes. What I personally love about this variety is that it offers creative freedom. Depending on how you harvest and process it, you can create completely different flavor profiles – all with just one plant. The first harvest can be in the second or third year, depending on location and care. I also find it particularly fascinating how the aroma changes as the plant matures: While young leaves tend to taste sweet and fresh, older plants bring more depth and complexity to the cup.

Our Wannong 85 tea plants at Growing Karma are grown from seed – and for good reason: Seed cultivation promotes genetic diversity and makes the plants more robust. Each plant is a small, unique specimen that can adapt to its environment – a decisive advantage when growing them in German gardens or on balconies. As for the location: partial shade to full sun is ideal. The plant loves well-drained, slightly acidic soil – rhododendron soil works wonderfully. Make sure that waterlogging does not occur, especially in containers. In winter, we recommend light frost protection, such as a layer of mulch or fleece – especially in harsh locations. Another advantage: tea plants are so-called "evergreens," meaning they retain their leaves even in winter. This makes them not only aromatic but also an aesthetic asset to your home – a piece of Asia right on your doorstep.

If you're looking for a tea plant that's easy to care for, robust, and flavorful, then there's no way around Wannong 85. It combines traditional Chinese breeding with modern requirements for climate adaptation and sustainability—making it a perfect fit with our vision at Growing Karma. With this plant, you're not only bringing home a piece of authentic tea culture, but you're also becoming part of a movement that's reimagining tea: local, conscious, and homemade. And let's be honest—what could be better than sitting on the patio with friends one day, serving your own tea, and being able to say, "I grew it myself."?

If you have any questions or are unsure whether Wannong 85 is the right choice for you, please contact us – we will advise you personally and with passion. Just write a message on Instagram or Facebook.