PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing leaf buds of Japanese pepper tree (Xanthoxylum piperitum), by hydroponic cultivation by which proliferation of fungi causing curling on leaf buds is prevented while the leaf buds of Japanese pepper are cultivated using no or a small amount of agrichemicals, so as to enable the quality retention for a long period of time also including a distribution stage.SOLUTION: The method for producing leaf buds of Japanese pepper tree includes: a process for arranging seedlings of Japanese pepper tree before germination of the leaf buds on a holding means； a process for making the stem parts of the seedlings expose through one side part of the holding means to grow them and also supplying a nutrient solution in a sprayed state to the root parts of the seedlings at the other side part of the holding means so as to germinate the leaf buds； a process for pruning the grown leaf buds； a process for soaking the leaf buds in water solution containing at least an aluminum compound and saccharide within 30 min after pruned； and a process for storing the soaked leaf buds in a moisture-keeping container where moisture in leaves is hardly vaporized.【課題】山椒木の芽を無農薬ないし低農薬で栽培しながら、木の芽の萎縮の原因となる菌類の増殖を抑制し、流通段階も含めて長期の品質保持を可能にする山椒木の芽の生産方法を提供すること。【解決手段】木の芽の発芽前の山椒苗木を、保持手段に配列する工程、該保持手段の一側部から茎部を露出させて成長させると共に、他側部の根部に栄養水溶液を噴霧状で供給して木の芽を発芽させる工程、木の芽が成長した後に摘切する工程、木の芽を摘切後３０分以内に、少なくともアルミニウム化合物と糖類とを含有する水溶液に浸漬する工程、浸漬後の木の芽を葉内水分が蒸発しにくい保湿性容器に収容する工程からなる木の芽の生産方法を提供する。【選択図】図１
