KRAMER BROS. NURSERIES, ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA 


CAMELLIA CULTURE 
Camellias are one of the most easily grown greenhouse items if a few 
simple rules are followed. Some general cultural hints are listed below. 
SOIL AND FERTILIZER: For best results Camellias should have a good 
light well drained soil. They may be potted or benched. Use light sandy 
loam with one-third to one-half acid peat or leaf mold. Old, well rotted dairy 
manure may be added in small quantities. Be sure drainage is good. The 
mixture should have a pH rating of 4.5 to 5.5 for best results, although the 
Camellia is much more adaptable than Azaleas in this respect. Avoid lime 
and bone meal. Acidifiers such as Aluminum Sulphate, Iron Sulphate, or 
Sulphur may be used. Cotton Seed Meal is a good cheap acid food, but 
usually a Commercial Food made especially for Camellias and Azaleas is 
the best. They are acid and usually analyze 4-6-8. Sulphate of Ammonia or 
Vigoro with Cotton Seed Meal is quite satisfactory. Fertilizing should begin 
just after the blooming period and before the first cycle of growth and con- 
tinued in small quantities during the growing period. It is best not to fertilize 
after the buds have grown to the size of a pea. 
TEMPERATURE AND GROWING CONDITIONS: Camellias grow nat- 
urally in shade or semi-shade, and in the greenhouse like a cool shady place. 
They must be protected from the direct rays of the sun at all times. They 
stand several degrees of frost for short periods, but should be maintained at 
40 to 45 degrees night temperature, or at least not warmer than a 50 to 55 
degree temperature. To lessen bud drop avoid excessive fertilizing, drought, 
and drafts. Remember Camellias are surface feeders and roots should not 
be disturbed any more than necessary. Keep surface roots cool and moist at 
all times. After blooming it is naturally warmer and heat may be given to 
increase growth. During the summer months it is well to move the plants 
out of doors to a cool shady place if possible. 
WATERING: Water frequently and thoroughly, syringing the foliage. Do 
not syringe after the buds show color. Be sure the water is not excessively 
alkaline as it builds up in the soil. 
DISEASES: Few serious diseases affect Camellias. The most serious pests 
are scales which are easily controlled with a 142% to 2% light oil emulsion. 
EARLY VARIETIES 
Alba Plena — Debutante Normandie 
Chancellor Fimbriata Alba Pink Perfection ~ 
Daikagura Marchioness of Exeter 
MID-SEASON VARIETIES 
Alexander Nowlin Jordan's Pride Mrs. William Thompson 
Aspacia Julia Drayton Nagasaki 
Chandleri Elegans Kumasaka Pink Ball 
Cheerful Lotus Princess Bacciochi 
Emperor Wilhelm Magnoliaflora Purity 
Fimbriata Superba Magnoliaflora Alba Reine des Fleurs 
Finlandia Mallot Variegated Rose Queen 
Francine Monjisu Salmon Beauty 
Grandiflora Rosea Monjisu Variegated Star Dust 
LATE VARIETIES 
Colonel Firey Hoshi Garuma Victor Emanuel 
Elena Nobile Mathotiana Alba Warratah 
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