Successful propagation of camellias, vegetative and generative

There are many ways to propagate camellias. They can be propagated in mainly 2 methods - vegetative and generative.

Vegetative propagation

This involves creating new plantlets from parts of a single camellia parent plant. The plantlet will be exactly identical to the mother plant and will carry the same genetic material. This type of propagation creates a clone of the original plant which will have both the parent plants' strengths and weakness. Flowers created using vegetative propagation flower quickly. Vegetative propagation involves:

  • Propagating from cuttings

  • Using the moss peat method

  • Propagating by layering shoot tips

  • Tissue propagation

Generative propagation

This involves creating different species. This is known as raising new cultivars or completely new varieties. Generative propagation is done via pollination and seed production.

Propagating by layering

Camellias that have been growing for 2 or more years in gardens or conservatories are ideal for this type of propagation.

Method

  • Leaves and shoots of the branch hanging down should be removed

  • Using a knife , cut a small incision in a single place and then train the branch down to the ground

  • Secure the tip in the soil with the clip

  • Cover it with wet, peat soil and maintain the moisture

  • Roots form after about 2 weeks from the incision allowing the shoot tip to be separated from the parent plant to be planted individually

Grafting

This method is less popular but is ideal for the camellia varieties that do not produce roots quickly, such as varieties of Camellia japonica or Camellia sasangua. Cut the camellia across diagonally from top to bottom. Cut the scion into a wedge-shape and then attach it to the stock and cotton thread then wound tightly at the join. It takes about 2 weeks for the two parts to connect together.

Propagating from tissue

This is a complex propagation technique that can only be done in special laboratories. The procedure is very expensive and produces the most number of plants.

Propagating from cuttings

This propagation is very successful and new plants will have similar characteristics to the mother plant and normally flower in a year. Cutting should be taken in the last month of summer.

Taking cutting

Using a sharp disinfected knife cut about 2cm under the lowest leaf from top to bottom