ຊາປ່າ / Wild Tea

Selection of seed: Good-quality seed should be taken from very ripe fruit, with dark green or dark yellow skin. After 7–10 days, the capsule will start to split. At this stage select only undamaged seeds and store in a shaded area with good air flow for about 30–40 days. Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for about 3–5 days. Reject any seeds that float to the surface.
Nursery plots: These should be constructed on a flat or slightly sloping site with good soil, close to a water source, and with good drainage for during the rainy season. The nursery must be fenced to provide protection from grazing animals. Beds should be 10–30 cm high and 1 meter across. The length depends on location. Depending on climate and suitable conditions, the seeds should be sown  before February, although it is best if this can be done during September and October while the sun is not too strong. Seeds can be sown either in bags or in soil plots at a rate of about 0.37–0.45 seeds/m². If conditions allow, mixed compost must or munch  at a rate of about 1.50–2.25 kg/m² can be added. If sowing in a bag, the bag should be filled with a mixture of soil (3/4 part) and compost (1/4). Use a bag at least 10–12 cm × 16–18 cm with holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. The soil in the bag should be watered prior to sowing and again after. Water every 5–7 days or every 10–15 days if under shading. Keep weed-free and when the seedlings are 8–12 months old, about 20 cm high with 6–8 leaves, transplant to final position.
Plantation technique: In general, planting should be started in June. After preparation of the land, planting holes 20–40 cm × 40 cm × 40 cm should be dug at a distance 1–1.5 m apart. Rows should be parallel in order to make maintenance and harvesting easier. The slope of the site should be less than 25–30 degrees. After planting, the plants should be kept weed-free for 1–3 months and any dead plants replaced. After this, regular weeding should be carried out. Mulch and compost fertilizer should be applied at the rate of 15 ton/ha . If furrows are dug for planting in rows, the furrows should be in horizontal lines, 1.5–2 m apart, according to the slope of the site. Planting holes should be dug along the top furrow with a distance of 50–100 cm between holes. Mulch and compost should be applied at the rate of 1–2 kg/hole or about 10–20 ton/ha.
Weeding and maintenance: Tea plantations should be cleaned and weeded from November to February and from July to August. After weeding, all green matter should be placed around the tree trunks as a mulch, to protect against soil erosion during heavy rains. While the trees are young, hand-weeding is best.
Pruning: Pruning should be started in December or January. If the air is cold and misty, pruning can be delayed until later. Pruning should be done with a knife or saw, aiming for a flat shape, parallel to the slope of land. Avoid damage to the bark and trunk.
Young trees should be pruned when 65–70 cm tall with a trunk diameter of over 1 cm. The first pruning must be done when the tree is 2 years old by reducing the trunk to 20–25 cm and cutting all the branches to be no more than 35–45 cm from the ground. Second pruning when the trees are 3 years old is done by cutting the trunk to about 30–35 cm and removing all branches that are higher than 40–45 cm from ground level.
• Pruning to improve shape can be carried out at 4 years.