Lavinia Maggi Camellia Seeds - Camellia Japonica, 5 seeds

Quantity: 5 Seeds / pack

'Lavinia Maggi' is an award-winning camellia (Camellia japonica), an Italian introduction of 1858, with large formal double blooms — white or pale pink petals broadly striped in rose and cerise. A vigorous, upright evergreen shrub blooming mid to late season, it is considered one of the finest striped camellias. Note: seed-grown camellias rarely come true to the parent variety, and seedlings take years to flower, making this a rewarding long-term project.

Why choose our seeds?

• Large formal double blooms, white striped in rose-cerise
• Award-winning 1858 Italian introduction, vigorous and upright
• Glossy evergreen shrub; a rewarding long-term growing project

How to grow Lavinia Maggi Camellia seeds

Choose Your Planting Method

• Indoors: Start indoors in late winter or early spring.
• Outdoors: Sow outdoors in fall in mild climates.

Prepare Your Materials

• Seed-starting trays or pots (if indoors)
• Well-draining seed-starting mix
• Spray bottle for misting

Sowing the Seeds

• Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours; do not let them dry out, and sow as soon as possible.
• Chill seeds in the refrigerator for about 60 days to break dormancy, then sow 3/4 inch deep in well-drained mix.

Provide the Right Conditions

• Light: Bright indirect light.
• Temperature: Warm room temperature; keep the mix evenly moist.

Germination

• Germination usually occurs within a month, but can take up to 6 months — be patient.
• Keep young plants moist and in bright, indirect light.

Transplanting

• Pot seedlings into individual containers and grow on for at least a season before planting out.
• Space garden plants 3-5 feet apart in part shade with acidic, humus-rich soil.

Care Tips

• Sun: Part shade; avoid harsh afternoon sun.
• Water: Keep consistently moist; mulch to hold moisture.
• Fertilizer: Camellias prefer acidic, humus-rich soil (around pH 5.5-6.5); feed lightly in spring.
• Prune after flowering to maintain shape; pruning is otherwise minimal.

Bloom Time:

Winter to spring on mature plants; seedlings may take 6 or more years to bloom.