Growing Tea in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Tea. Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.24 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tea prefers clay soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Kilifi receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Tea's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Kilifi's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 4.5–6 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kilifi
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kilifi's nitrogen (0.8 g/kg) is 67% of the 1.2 g/kg Tea needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kilifi's 150 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag