Don’t let anyone tell you tea is easy!

Growing tea can be tricky, and careful selection of tea bushes is crucial. Tea bush sets from Tregothnan come with a tried and tested care guide, specifically written by the horticulturists behind Britain’s first home grown tea. Discover tea growing for yourself with the Tea Growers Guide from Tregothnan.

This masterclass is available on request for individuals or groups looking to explore the art of tea cultivation. Step into the story of tea at Tregothnan, where tradition, innovation, and nature meet. This immersive and adaptable course is not just about growing tea, but about understanding the living legacy of Britain’s first tea garden. As we guide you through the historic living laboratory of rare and exotic plants, you’ll see how the botanical gardens inform everything we do. Covering the Camellia sinensis, soil science, climate awareness, propagation techniques and sustainable practices, this course connects the dots between landscape, legacy, and the craft of cultivating exceptional tea. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge expertly delivered by the horticulturists behind planting England’s pioneering tea plantation in 1999. This masterclass can be attended online or in person from The International Tea Centre, based here in Cornwall.

Whether you're a grower, enthusiast, or simply curious, this is your opportunity to experience tea at its source – and where its story began in the UK.
You’ll also learn more about the tea leaf itself, discovering the difference in taste between adult and young tea leaves, (there is a big difference in taste!). We’ll also discuss the all-important tea plucking and creating the all-important ‘plucking table’. We will discuss the best times of the season to reap the most benefits of the plant.

At the conclusion of the course, attendees will be awarded a Tea Cultivation Certificate, recognising their hands-on learning and understanding of the principles and practices of growing Camellia sinensis in a temperate climate. This certification marks a meaningful step in your tea-growing journey, whether you're planning to start your own tea garden, enhance your horticultural skills, or simply deepen your appreciation for this remarkable plant.

Courses attended in person will include a delicious lunch of local seasonal delicacies and conclude with a Tregothnan cream tea. Participants will also gain access to the exclusive Tea Growers' Newsletter – a collaborative space for ongoing connection and knowledge sharing with fellow growers, enthusiasts, and Tregothnan’s expert horticultural team. This provides a platform to ask questions, exchange ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in tea cultivation beyond the course itself.

Attendees will be awarded a Tea Cultivation Certificate, recognising their hands-on learning and understanding of the principles and practices of growing Camellia sinensis in a temperate climate. This certification marks a meaningful step in your tea-growing journey, whether you're planning to start your own tea garden, enhance your horticultural skills, or simply deepen your appreciation for this remarkable plant.

To book, please email enquiries@tregothnan.co.uk or call 01872 520000 to discuss your interest in the course along with date and attendance preferences. We reserve the right to place guests in the most appropriate sessions according to interests and group size. On rare occasions course dates may be changed if circumstances change or if dates become oversubscribed. We welcome any information you may offer regarding your interests and any specific areas you would like to explore.