New Jersey Tea

$4.00
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Tax included.
Description

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a hardy, low-growing deciduous shrub native to much of eastern North America, prized for its clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Reaching about 2–3 feet in height, it thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils and full sun, making it a resilient choice for native gardens and prairie plantings. Its deep root system allows it to withstand drought, while its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Historically, its dried leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolution, giving the plant its common name. In addition to its ornamental value, New Jersey Tea provides seeds and shelter for birds and plays an important role in supporting native ecosystems.

New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea

🌱 Outdoor Planting (Direct Sowing)


  1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny to lightly shaded site (6–8+ hours of sun preferred) with sandy, rocky, or well-drained loam soil.

  2. Soil Preparation: Loosen soil 6–8 inches deep. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils.

  3. Seed Preparation:


    Scarify seeds by pouring hot (not boiling) water over them and letting them soak for 12–24 hours.


    Cold stratify for 30–60 days in moist sand or vermiculite in the refrigerator.



  4. Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1/8–1/4 inch deep. Lightly cover with soil.

  5. Timing: Best sown in fall (to allow natural winter stratification) or spring after pre-treatment.

  6. Watering: Water lightly after planting. Keep soil moderately moist until seedlings establish, then reduce. This shrub becomes very drought-tolerant once mature.

  7. Spacing: Space plants 3–5 feet apart to allow for mature spread.

🌱 Indoor Seed Starting (Transplanting Outdoors in Spring)


  1. Seed Preparation:


    Scarify as above (hot water soak).


    Stratify in the refrigerator for 30–60 days before sowing.



  2. Containers: Use deep pots or root trainers—New Jersey Tea develops a strong taproot early.

  3. Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1/8–1/4 inch deep in well-drained potting mix.

  4. Light & Temperature: Provide full spectrum light (14–16 hrs/day) and maintain 65–75°F.

  5. Watering: Keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged.

  6. Germination Time: 4–8 weeks; some seeds may take longer. Patience is required.

  7. Transplanting: Move outdoors after the last frost once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall. Harden off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days.

  8. Final Spacing: Plant 3–5 feet apart in full sun, in well-drained soil.

🌿 Maintenance Tips


  • Mulching: Apply a thin mulch layer to help retain soil moisture, but don’t bury the crown.

  • Watering: Deeply water during the first growing season to establish roots; reduce once mature.

  • Pruning: Trim lightly in early spring to shape and encourage bushier growth.

  • Longevity: Deep taproot makes transplanting difficult after establishment, so plant in a permanent location.

Testimonials

★★★★★

I love Native Sunflowers in my home garden and landscape.

Mary Hoggins
Tyler, Texas
★★★★★

Last year in the Fall, I collected a lot of seeds I planted this year.

Roger Holmes
Dallas, Texas
★★★★★

They really added a big splash of color to the front of my house garden bed. Love them!

Audrey Long
Mobile, Alabama

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