The ideal soil for sun camellias is well drained and high in humus and acid. Aph of 7.or less is acceptable, and 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal. The use of coarse peat moss, or oak leaf mold, provides humus and the acid conditions. When either is mixed in equalparts with "sharp" potting sand, a loose, well-drained, quality mix is obtained. Sun camellias, like all other camellias, should never be allowed to become dried out. They do their best when the soil is moist but not soggy. Sun camellias are hardy and are frequently not provided fertilizer. They will grow and bloom better with a few light feedings of a commercial camellia azalea plant food for acid loving plants, or a handful of cotton seed meal mixed with iron, with low amounts of nitrogen ~ an N of less than 3. Mix five parts cotton seed meal to one part iron granule. Alternatively apply iron in a liquid form once a year in the spring and more often if the foliage is light green or yellow, a sign of iron deficiency (chlorosis). An easy schedule to remember is to feed camellias on or about April first (April fool's Day), Fourth of July, and Labor Day. This will keep sun camellias in top form.
展开▼
