Generally, camellia japonicas, which bloom winter through late spring, do best with gib. Camellia sasanquas typically bloom early without any treatment.

Gibberelins are growth-regulating chemicals - hormones - that most plants make in minute amounts. The process of applying gibberellic acid to plants is called ``gibbing.''

The effect of gibberellins on plant growth was first noted by the Japanese on rice plants which grew taller than those not affected, writes Betty Hotchkiss in the August issue of The Camellia Journal published by the American Camellia Society. This incident with gibberellin was caused by a fungus that infected the plants although it's a chemical naturally found in most plants.

Horticulturists don't exactly know why gibbing works the way it does on camellias. Experiments, however, show the process produces only elongated stems and stretching on other shrubs and flowers.

Each camellia bud must be treated with a drop of gibberellic acid. The flower bud is plump and round; the foliage bud is smaller and pointed.

To treat, select a vegetative bud next to a plump, well-developed flower bud. Twist out the vegetative bud leaving a ``cup'' of bud scales at the base. Place a drop of this solution into this cup. The chemical will move to the flower bud. Growth should be noticeable within two weeks.

The time required for a treated bud to flower depends on the plant's general condition, size of flower bud, weather and the plant variety. Early flowering types may bloom within 30 days of gibbing; later varieties may bloom in 60-90 days.

The timeframe for gibbing depends on geographics and weather. Flower buds need to be well-formed. You can gib weekly or at other intervals so you have flowers opening over a period of time. Camellia growers who compete for awards gib so they have flowers in time for fall shows. Camellias set buds once a year.

Apply gib sparingly to a young plant. Leave a plant about 80 percent untreated because the terminal vegetative buds on treated stems usually don't grow normally in spring. You should cut treated flowers or prune the stems back.

You can purchase gibberelic acid from the American Camellia Society in powdered form for $8 per gram. It's easy to mix with water; one gram will treat several hundred flower buds.

For more information, contact the American Camellia Society (912) 967-2358; write 100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley, Ga. 31030. The Virginia Camellia Society generally includes a fall gibbing workshop among its many hands-on programs held at Norfolk Botanical Garden. For society membership, call Sally Simon at 625-0374 or write 508 Fairfax Ave., Norfolk 23507.