A Calendar for Camellia Lovers
Southern California Camellia Society
The Camellia Review, Vol. 64, #3
January–February 2003
Reprinted with Permission
Camellia lovers and Southern California gardeners tend to their plants twelve months of the year. This article will discuss key issues and what to do each month. (Note: Although this article focuses on California, it is still usefull for all Camellia Regions, just adjust to your climate differences. Editor)
January
The first month of the year is the beginning of the major blooming season for camellia Japonicas. Each day we are treated to surprises as new blooms open up! Most of these are the early Japonicas or late blooming species. Sasanquas such as 'Yuletide' or Vernalis such as 'Egao' or 'Star Above Star' are examples of late blooming species. 'Debutante', 'Wildfire' and 'Tama-no-ura' are typical early Japonicas.
January To-Do List
During this month camellias may be fertilized with a low nitrogen product such as Grow Power (2-10-10) or 0-10-10 or 3-10-10 to produce show quality blooms. The key is the first number—nitrogen. It must be no greater than 3 or new growth may occur. Warm weather and larger amounts of nitrogen may force the plant out of dormancy. When camel