Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is a plant species often commercially used to make tea seed oil. The oil made from the seeds of tea-oil camellia is similar in composition to olive oil. Tea seed oil is also known as camellia oil, and it can be used to make soap or textiles.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Camellia oleifera, which originated in China, is notable as an important source of edible oil (known as tea oil or camellia oil) obtained from its seeds. It is commonly known as the oil-seed camellia or tea oil camellia, though to a lesser extent other species of camellia are used in oil production too.
It is widely distributed in China and is cultivated extensively there. It is found in forests, thickets, banks of streams and foothills at elevations of 500 to 1,300 metres.
This species looks much similar to Camellia sasanqua except the dark green, evergreen leaves are a bit larger, three to five inches long and two to three inches wide. Single, white, fragrant flowers are produced in mid to late fall, and this large shrub or small tree will reach a height of 20 feet with thin, upright, multiple trunks and branches. The crown forms a rounded or oval vase with lower branches removed.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Tea-oil camellia prefers a partially shaded environment. It likes filtered light and cannot be exposed to harsh sunlight; direct sunlight will burn its leaves. When kept indoors, potted plants can be placed 46 to 91 cm near the window. When planted outdoors, seedlings should be shaded. More filtered light is required by adult plants, as it contributes to blooming. Insufficient sunlight for extended periods will unfavorably affect the growth of tea-oil camellia, resulting in thin leaves, fewer blooms, and reduced ornamental value.
Temperature
Tea-oil camellia is native to China and likes warm and moist environments, but not high temperatures. The best temperature range for its growth is 18 to 25 ℃. The optimum temperature is about 20 ℃, and the recommended relative air humidity is 70-80% to avoid too-dry air.
Watering
Tea-oil camellia likes water, so its soil should always be kept moist. Its water demand is high in the growing season during spring and summer, when it is best to water it every 1-2 days. Arid soil and dry air during flower bud development can result in a decreased number of flowers and petals, and may also cause spider mite infection. In autumn and winter, water twice a month or so to ensure the soil is not dry.
The best watering times in spring and summer are morning and evening. At noon, the temperature is too high and water loss can happen fast. plants can be watered at noon in autumn and winter because the temperature is usually too low in the morning and evening, which invites frostbite to the root system. It is best to water with rainwater or distilled water. Tap water is alkaline, and not suitable for tea-oil camellia. Normally, the surface soil can be covered with 8 cm of bark to keep temperature and humidity constant and to restrain the growth of weeds.
Soil
Suitable soil for tea-oil camellia is slightly acidic, moist, rich in organic matter, well-drained, and air permeable. The suitable pH value is 6-6.5. Accumulated water in the soil can lead to root rot. An example of a good culture medium ratio is 1/2 arenosols, 1/4 coco coir, and 1/4 sphagnum moss. Coco coir is high in salinity and should be washed with water before use.
Special culture medium for tea-oil camellia can also be purchased. Generally, the soil should be replaced every 1-2 years to avoid soil compaction, which affects the plant’s growth. For pot planting, use a pot with a diameter larger than 46 cm.
Fertilizing
Several kinds of fertilizers can be used during this plant’s growth. In spring, there is no need to fertilize tea-oil camellia immediately after repotting. In summer, slow-release nitrogenous fertilizer can be applied once during the vigorous stem and leaf growth period to make leaves greener and more luxuriant. Phosphate-potassium fertilizer can be applied 1-2 times from the time of bud appearance to blooming. Special fertilizer for tea-oil camellia or Rhododendron can also be used.
Excessive fertilizer will result in yellow, lusterless leaves, growth stagnation, and bud contraction. Tea-oil camellia growth, development, sprouting, and blooming will be affected in mild cases. Branches and leaves will wither and die in severe cases. At this point, fertilization must be stopped, and the soil should be replaced if necessary. Insufficient fertilizer will result in slow growth, small, thin, and yellowish leaves, and shrinking leaf buds. The frequency and concentration of fertilization should be appropriately reintroduced in this situation, rather than using too-concentrated fertilizer all at once. Control the frequency of fertilization.
Planting Instructions
Tea-oil camellia can be planted in any season except during hot summers. Generally, it is best to plant tea-oil camellia in spring. Dig a pit with twice the width and the same depth and height as the root ball. If planting tea-oil camellia outdoors, the spacing between plants should be more than 13 cm. When backfilling the soil, mix some decomposed fertilizer in a few inches from the top of the soil.
Pruning
Tea-oil camellia grows slowly, so must not be over pruned. Promptly cutting off withering flowers can reduce nutrient consumption, which helps the plant grow robustly and develop new flower buds. Cut off all weak, diseased, and downward-growing branches, as well as old branches that do not blossom on the shrub.
Propagation
There are many propagation methods for tea-oil camellia, such as cutting, grafting, layering, sowing, and tissue culture. Generally, cutting is the main method and is done in summer and winter. Naturally warm and moist conditions are favorable to the rooting and sprouting of branches, which increases the survival rate.
Repotting
Potted tea-oil camellia can be repotted every spring, and branches and leaves can be pruned during repotting.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Tea-oil camellia is a very common shrub or small tree that is highly prized for its natural oils and delightfully fragrant blossoms. Its dense leaves make it perfect as a border shrub, hedge, or even a container plant. If left to grow, tea-oil camellia can become a rather large specimen piece as well. Excellent in woodland gardens and alongside rhododendrons, ferns, and azaleas.
- Other uses
The seeds of Camellia oleifera can be pressed to yield tea seed oil, a sweetish seasoning and cooking oil. In tea seed oil, oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid comprises ~80% of the total fatty acid content – the oil is similar in composition to olive oil. After the tea seed oil is extracted, the seed itself still serves a purpose. The product of production, known as Camellia oil cake, is used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Tea oil is also known as “Tea Seed Oil” when sold as cooking oil in supermarkets throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
It can also be used in textile manufacture, in soap making and, when burned in an oil lamp, as a source of light. Camellia oil is also traditionally used to protect Japanese woodworking tools and cutlery from corrosion and is currently sold for that purpose.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Tea-oil camellia blooms once a year, starting between the end of winter and spring. The bloom time is relatively long, i. e. 1-2 months for most varieties. Their flowers, branches, and leaves can be cut for appreciation. The vase life of the flowers is about one week, and that of branches and leaves is 15 days. Use sharp gardening scissors to trim the base of each flowering branch obliquely at a 45° angle to increase the water absorption area. Quickly put it in a vase with clean water to avoid water loss.
Find Where to Buy the Best Tea-oil Camellia (Camellia oleifera)
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo_shipping cols_order=3,2,1,5,4 hide=badge visible=number border_color=info limit=8]