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Growing hibiscus for tea at home is a rewarding and easy process. To start, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Plant hibiscus seeds or seedlings in the spring or summer, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Prune the plant to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Harvest the hibiscus flowers when they are fully bloomed and vibrant in color. Dry the flowers in a cool, dark place for about a week. Once dried, store the flowers in an airtight container. To make tea, steep a handful of dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes. Enjoy the refreshing and healthy homemade hibiscus tea.
Hibiscus tea, with its deep red color, is made by infusing the sepals of hibiscus flowers. It is rich in vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals, and has natural diuretic properties. This tea is consumed worldwide, either hot or cold, and some people prefer to enhance its tart flavor by adding spices and sweetening it with sugar. To make your own hibiscus tea from scratch, you first need to grow the flowers.
Cultivating Hibiscus for Tea
Step 1: Select Your Hibiscus Plant
Choose the specific variety of hibiscus flowers you want to grow. With over 200 known species of hibiscus flowers in existence, including hardy and tropical types, the most commonly used species for tea is Hibiscus sabdariffa (USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11). Obtain hibiscus seeds from a nursery or a seed distributor, with organic seeds being preferable.
Step 2: Plant Hibiscus Seeds
Sow the hibiscus seeds between mid-May and early June. If you live in a cooler climate, it is best to start them in nursery beds or well-drained containers in a protected grow room. However, if you reside in a warm climate, you can directly plant the seeds in the ground. These flowers thrive in warm and moist climates and cannot endure frost. They bloom most effectively when temperatures range from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Transplant Seedlings Outdoors
If you live in an area with little rainfall, ensure that you water the seeds regularly. Do not overwater them; simply maintain a moist environment. If you started the seeds in nursery containers, you can transplant them to an outdoor bed when they reach around 4 inches in height.
Harvesting Hibiscus for Tea
Step 1: Monitor Plant Growth
Keep a close eye on your plants so that you can harvest the calyxes (sepals) at the appropriate time. The time it takes for them to mature for picking can vary from 3 to 5 months, depending on your climate.
Step 2: Pick Each Ripe Calyx
Select each calyx, which will be dried for tea-making, when it reaches maturity. A ripe calyx, which is the outer cluster of leaves protecting the flower bud, will have a bright and shiny appearance. These calyxes become large and fully developed after the actual flower has fallen off. The ripe ones should snap off easily. The calyxes near the bottom of the plant are likely to ripen first.
Preparing Hibiscus Tea
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Calyxes
Thoroughly wash the harvested calyxes, then dry them either by placing them in the sun or using a dehydrator.
Step 2: Brew Tea with Dried Hibiscus
Put a handful of the dried hibiscus pieces in a silk sachet and place it in a mug. Pour boiling water over it and allow it to steep for several minutes. Add sugar or any other sweetener according to your preference, and enjoy the tea either hot or cold.
