Tea plants favour temperate, wet climates with rainfall of approx. 8 inches per year and daily sunshine of about 5 hrs. on an average. Long bright days should be followed by rainy nights amid the fresh winds and the loose, deep, acidic soil of high altitudes.
The First Flush Teas (March / April) are light, floral and aromatic. The Second Flush Teas (May / June) are smooth, full bodied and fruity. The Autumnal Teas (Nov / Dec) are slightly dark and have a deep complex aroma. During quality periods i.e. First Flush or Second Flush, two leaves and a bud are picked - this is called fine plucking, resulting in high quality teas. At other times, even three or four leaves and a bud are plucked - this is called coarse plucking. The plucking cycle is maintained at about 7 day intervals. The plucked leaves are collected in bamboo baskets, taking care that they are not crushed by overloading the baskets.