Growing Camellias from Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Camellias can indeed be grown from seed, contrary to the old notion that it's a waste of time. If your camellia has produced a crop of seed pods, you can propagate new plants with a little patience and the right technique.

When and How to Plant

Plant the brown seeds in fall—viability drops quickly if stored until spring. Choose a sunny spot with loose, sandy soil and sow the seeds about one inch deep. Mark the planting site carefully so you don't accidentally disturb it next spring.

Germination Timeline

Thin, leafless sprouts will appear in May, followed by leaves in June. Do not disturb the seedlings until the following fall, when they can be transplanted to a larger space to grow to landscape size.