The Camellia Seedling Saga: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Last winter, I had a big plant fail: I killed all my camellia seedlings within a few hours.
I had spent MONTHS waiting for my seeds to germinate. I followed the recommended cold stratification process, letting the seeds chill in the fridge. When it was time to bring them out and let them warm up, I was overjoyed to discover that close to 30 seedlings had germinated successfully.
However, my enthusiasm led me to make a crucial mistake. Because camellia seeds need a period in cold temperatures in order to germinate, I figured the seedlings that had sprouted could also handle chilly weather. I was very, very wrong. My poor seedlings turned into mush. I bought more seeds, and then waited several more months for new seedlings, which are pictured above.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the process of growing camellias from seed, highlighting both what to do and, perhaps more importantly, what NOT to do when germinating Camellia seeds.
The Correct Way to Grow Camellias from Seed
Now, let's shift our focus to the right way to grow camellias from seed. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Cold Stratification
Place camellia seeds in a Ziploc bag filled with vermiculite.
Slightly moisten the vermiculite and refrigerate for about 4 to 8 weeks. This process mimics the natural cold period these seeds would experience in the wild.
Germination
After 60 to 90 days of cold stratification, remove the seeds from the fridge and let them warm up gradually a foot or two a way from a sunny window. Camellia seedlings prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll notice small roots forming inside the vermiculite when they are ready to transplant.
Transplanting
Once you observe roots, transplant the seedlings into tall or deep pots with potting soil. Deeper pots accommodate Camellias' strong taproot, which grows deep into the soil.
Bury the seedlings about a half-inch where the root has plenty of space below to grow while also allowing the emerging shoots to break through the soil surface. Crowding can hinder their growth.
Optional Tips:
Do not rush to put your seedlings outside. Wait until you are certain that the last frost has passed. Camellia seedlings are sensitive to cold and can freeze, leading to their demise. Learn from my mistakes!
To prevent fungus issues, consider adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide during soaking or in the vermiculite bag.
I started over with new camellia seeds after letting a crop of poor seedlings freeze late last winter. I hope this blog post helps you avoid the same pitfalls and encourages you to embark on your own camellia-growing journey. Stay tuned for future updates on my camellia plants and other exciting gardening adventures!
