Expect the Unexpected in Camellias

It might not be cost effective, but growing your own camellias from seed is not only possible, it also can give you results that are totally unpredictable. Seed from cultivated varieties could produce plants that end up looking like one of the parents or something completely different. If the new plant’s flowers are handsome enough, you might want to name it after your first born, or a favorite aunt, or maybe even after your boss. And that would be quite a legacy.

You can get fresh camellia seed this time of year from the Southern California Camellia Society, in care of David Trujillo, 13265 Catalpa, Etiwanda, CA 91739, (909) 899-1650. One hundred camellia japonica seeds cost $10, 100 sasanqua seeds cost $7.50 and the seeds of the fancy reticulatas are 25 cents each. A minimum order is $5. Seeds are from public gardens and could be crosses of anything.

Be forewarned, though, that “most crosses come out single rose-reds,” said Jim Nuccio, of camellia specialists Nuccio’s Nurseries in Altadena. To get a plant that is measurably superior may require crossing and growing several thousand camellia seedlings, according to Nuccio, and will take about 12 years to bring into commercial production. Don’t expect instant wealth from your new hybrid. Just to grow a camellia seedling to flowering size--so you can see what you’ve got--takes five to seven years. But it will be your own and it might be a winner.