Tea shoots of 2nd flush are growing now!

In this year, the beginning of 1st flush was later than the average, thus it is considered that plucking of 2nd flush will start on the middle of June.

Most of 2nd flush buds have broken. Now they are opening their 1st leaves.

Lateral buds at the intersection of leaf and stem of shoot of 1st flush start growing to be 2nd flush after plucking because of the release of lateral buds from apical dominance. The following picture shows lateral buds in the axil of 1st flush leaves are growing.

Tea buds of second flush wetted by morning dews.

It takes about 4 days for tea shoots of 2nd flush to open one leaf. So tea plants shown in the above require more than 16 days to open 4 or 5 leaves, the best condition to be plucked and processed.

Tea buds of 2nd flush are growin under the morning fog and mild shine of rising sun.

2nd flush teas are used mainly for the adjustment of taste of loose leaf tea or ready-to-drink such as bottled tea, due to its light taste and green fresh flavor. I hope fine quality of 2nd flush will delight your tongue through bottled teas.

Mt. Fuji beyond tea plantation. As if it encourages 2nd flush.