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Seaweed concentrate (Natrakelp(R) at concentration of 1.75% W/V) and paclobutrazol (Cultar(R) at 5mg a.i.) were applied to Sturt's Desert Pea plants (Swainsona formosa formerly Clianthus formosus) at 4 and 8 weeks post germination. The vase life of flowers, whether individual or on runners, increased by five days when treated with seaweed concentrate. This increase in vase life of flowers was accompanied by an increase in chlorophyll concentration and general improvement in health and vigour of plants treated with seaweed concentrate. Paclobutrazol marginally reduced the vase life of flowers in Sturt's Desert Pea. The results are discussed in the light of possible increase in photosynthetic competence, increase in cytokinins and nutrient levels in plants treated with seaweed concentrate.