Unique Blossom Springs From Seeds of Camellia

Your garden can have a camellia like none other in the world. Camellias planted by seed are unique in that when they flower after four or five years the blooms will be a product of the mother plant’s flower and whatever other camellia the pollinating bee had dabbled in before.

Growing from seed also allows development of a deeper tap root and more drought-tolerant plant.

As a fund-raising activity, Southern California Camellia Society members are permitted to gather seeds to sell from the world-renowned Huntington Botanical Gardens.

Seeds may be ordered from the SCCS c/o Dean Alltizer, 1253 Bruce Ave., Glendale, Calif. 91202. Camellia sasanqua seeds are $5.50 per 100 (minimum order), C. japonica, $7.50 per 100, and C. reticulata, 25 cents each. All come with simple germinating instructions.

Sasanquas are usually the hardiest camellias and can take the most sun, reticulatas prefer less sun and japonicas like some sun but not the midday sun. Reticulatas are the prima donnas of camellias with large distinctive flowers.

If a seedling plant grows well but has a flower that doesn’t please you, you may buy a scion (a plant shoot with attached growth bud) from a nursery or from a friend’s camellia you like, to graft onto your plant. With an established root system, if the graft takes, you will have a vigorous camellia whose flowers you love.

You can learn more about camellia culture at society meetings held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Call the arboretum (818) 821-3222 for meeting information.