Gibbing Camellias: Using Gibberellic Acid for Earlier, Larger Blooms

"Gibbing" is the practice of applying a drop of gibberellic acid (GA₃) to the vegetative bud adjacent to a flower bud on Camellia japonica. This plant hormone stimulates earlier flowering and often larger, more perfect blooms—especially valuable for early varieties prone to winter cold damage.

When and How

• Timing: September through October.
• Target: The small leaf bud next to a plump flower bud (not the flower bud itself).
• Dosage: One drop of commercial GA₃ solution per bud.
• Frequency: Treat selected buds once per season.

Why It Works

Gibberellic acid breaks dormancy and accelerates cell elongation in the developing flower. The result: blooms that open weeks earlier, often before damaging freezes, with increased size and petal count.

Sources and Resources

• American Camellia Society, Fort Valley, GA (478-967-2358) sells GA₃.
• Camellia Culture for Homeowners—excellent guide to selection, growing, and gibbing.

Cautions

• Don't overapply—distorted growth can result.
• Not needed for fall-blooming sasanquas.
• Label treated branches for tracking.

Gibbing is a time-honored technique among camellia enthusiasts. Try it on a few buds this fall and compare results.