Abstract
We conducted experiments on seed storage, seeding, and nursing in order to develop the storage and cultivation techniques for local seeds and seedlings of Rhododendron reticulatum and R. macrosepalum grown in secondary forests in Kyoto city. We concluded in four findings; i.e., 1)Seeds dried under the sun and sterilized keep their vigor longer when they are stored in refrigerator with silica gel. 2)Under this condition, the high germination rate stays for two years and eight months in R. reticulatum and a year and eight months in R. macrosepalum. 3)Germination rate is the highest when they are seeded in the May after fruiting. 4)The surviving rate and growth of both species are the highest in the case their seeds are sown on the sphagnum and transplanted the next early spring to the vinyl pots. A pot with a diameter of 6 cm is appropriate for R. reticulatum, and 9 cm is appropriate for R. macrosepalum for raising 2 years old seedlings under no fertilizer.
