How do you extend the flowering period of camellias? Master these methods for longer blooms

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

The flowering period of camellias is roughly from January to April. If you want to extend the flowering period, you need to provide suitable growing conditions based on its growth habits. It has high requirements for soil properties, so it is best to grow it in well-drained, loose and fertile sandy soil. Also, its potting soil must remain acidic, with the pH adjusted to ideally 5.5 to 6.5. Because it fears wind and loves sunlight, it needs to be placed in a spot with little wind and given sufficient sunlight every day, but in summer it should be properly shaded, and the room temperature should be kept between 20 and 25°C, with environmental humidity of about 70%, which helps extend its flowering period.

1. Temperature

The suitable growing temperature for camellias is between 20 and 25°C. If the temperature is higher than 29°C, it will stop growing, and when the temperature reaches 35°C, without control it will scorch the flowers.

2. Soil

It likes an acidic environment and needs to be grown in acidic loam with good air permeability to facilitate the development of its root hairs, with the pH controlled between 5.5 and 6.5. Usually, red soil or a mix of humus soil, peat and rotted sawdust is used as the growing medium. A better choice is sandy soil, humus soil or loess for cultivation.

3. Light

It needs sufficient light every day, but it dislikes strong light. In spring, autumn and winter, even without any shading measures it is fine, but in summer when the sunlight is scorching, it needs 50% shading to avoid direct sunlight, so as to protect the leaves and flowers from being scorched.

4. Watering

Water appropriately according to the external humidity, using neutral or slightly acidic water, and water thoroughly each time. The watering frequency can be low, but each time you must ensure the water can fully penetrate the soil. Do not let the soil dry out, and do not allow water to accumulate in the flowerpot, otherwise an overly moist environment will cause root rot.

5. Fertilizer

Its demand for fertilizer is not great. Generally, before flowering, apply fertilizer with a relatively high alum content to supplement the nutrients needed for flowering. During flowering, apply a little fertilizer with relatively high P and K content, which can make its flowers larger and more brightly colored, and increase the flowering time.