Camellia Club of Mobile

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Growing plants from seeds presents the gardening enthusiast with a real challenge. Camellias do not come from true seeds and very rarely is a good flower produced from seeds. Out of many seedlings, the chances for a superior variety are very slim since camellias have been hybridized for over 2000 years to produce the varieties available today.

Camellia seeds ripen at different times depending on variety and location. However, seeds generally mature in early fall. When seeds are mature the pod begins to crack slightly and seeds are ready to be picked.

	Select seeds that have already opened and soak the seeds for 12 hours to aid in germination.
	You can germinate seeds in a plastic bag with sphagnum moss before planting in a pot. Add just enough water to keep the moss in the bag moist. When seeds have split and you see the beginnings of a root you can plant.
	Plant in good soil, peat moss, or a combination of peat moss and sand. Put a layer of sand on top of the mixture. Place each seed on top of the sand.
	Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil damp. Seeds usually germinate in one month if planted immediately after harvesting. Other seeds may not germinate until spring. Once the seeds have germinated, transplant into containers or outside. Cutting off the taproot will produce a more fibrous root system and is helpful if planting in a container. If planted outside the taproot will help the plant survive during periods of drought or severe cold. Better germination will occur when seeds are planted immediately upon ripening.
Page last modified January 12, 2002

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