Plantation Crops

Time of planting

North India (Assam): Winter season with low rainfall but with plenty of mist is desirable i.e., October– November.

South India: Summer season (Rainy season) is most suitable time for planting i.e., May – June.

Planting operation
Pit size: Planting hole or trenches of 45 cm diameter and 60 cm depth. Or pits of 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (depth) and if land is not good 45cm x 45cm x 45cm (depth) or 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (depth)

Spacing
Plant population of tea bushes vary from 14 to 18 thousands per ha. Higher plant population showed adverse effect after 4 to 5 years. Spacing varies from region to region and variety to variety
1.5 m x 1.5 m or

1.5m x 0.75 m = 14000 plants per ha closer spacing gives quick covering

1.2 m x 0.75 m or

1.2 m x 0.60 m = accommodates more than 16,000 plants per ha

Methods of planting
Single Hedge System
In this method, the spacing adopted is 1.20 x 0.75 m accommodating 10,800 plants/ha.

Double Hedge System
In this method, the spacing adopted is 1.35 x 0.75 x 0.75 m accommodating 13,200 plants/ha.