RESEARCH ON KEEPING FRESHNESS OF CUTTING FLOWERS OF CAMELLIA

Experiments on keeping freshness of cutting flowers of Camellia reticulata Lindi F. Simplex sealy and C. japonica flowers have been conducted for 2 years. The fresh-keeping reagent No.1 and No.2 have been considered to have better effects. In comparison with water solution in a vase for the flowers the two reagents could prolong the life span of the cutting flowers for 3-12 days and increased the time of full bloom for 5 days. At room temperature condition, the cutting flowers treated with these reagents have been stored safely for 10 days with no dropping of flower buds and leaves. The flowers in vase can still last 12-14 days and the ratio of blooming flowers reaches 100 percent with no decrement of their ornamental value.In addition, preliminary results have been obtained on the selections of flower bud stage and types or varieties of the tree for cutting flowers, and techniques of packing in the production of cutting flowers.