Чаен храст, Tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

[Mik]

Anybody growing Camellia Sinensis?

I have an hard time getting a plant. I've tried two batches of seed from Turkey past yeara but they didn't germinate beside they were fresh...they went all rotten even those I've pre treated with peroxide.

Any idea about where to get a plant in BG or order from Turkey.

[Kiril Donov]

Camellia sinensis needs a humid climate. There is no suitable place for them in Bulgaria. There have been some experiments in Strandja mountain more than 50-60 years ago but nothing remained since then. I think you should look for Tea plants in northern Turkey (Trabzon area) or Georgia's Black Sea coast.

[Mik]

Yes I know Camelia Sinensis is not cultivated in Bulgaria...and not even took in consideration as a drink. I was hoping for some freak religiousely cultivating his own tea for his own daily cuppa.

[Mik]

An update on my 3rd ...failed attemp on germinating Camellia Sinensis. This time I've got seeds from China. They were fresh and not showing any sign of contamination. Soaking them resulted in almost all seeds to sink to the bottom of the container, another sign seeds were good. To spead up the process of germination I've cracked the seeds capsuleThen (and here it comes my error) I've used coconut core based soil withou sterilize it...reading the necessity of acidity of the soil I tried to acidificate the soil with small ammouns of sulphur flowers(powdered sulphur) and copper sulfate....this should had fixed the ph and also protect from proliferation of molds etc. Results...is now 6 months and nothing germinated...I've moved the soil of some seed and they were rotten or showing no sign of activity.

So, I suppose...soil ph could be determinant on germination and probably they also need specific soil micorrizae.

[Kiril Donov]

Mik, using copper sulfate without first neutralizing it is a very stupid thing to do! Copper sulfate is lethal to the plant tissues, that's why it is neutralized with calcium hydroxide.
I really don't understand all these attempts to cheat the Mother Nature. I've always germinated all types of seeds in the most natural way. If the seeds are viable - then it works.
How do you think these plants have survived and germinated before the humans appear on Earth? May be the just don't need our help. Well, for some people that probably sounds too simple to be true.

[Mik]

Seeds were viable. Copper quanty was tiny just to ammend soil acidity.
Well what can I say...it's like wanting to start blueberries on alcaline soil.
Not to say that soil over here to s full of zeolite and silicate so is very basic.

[Kiril Donov]

To lower the Ph+ you need iron sulfate, not copper sulfate!