To prolong the storage period of cut flowers "Carola", it is important to select the appropriate harvesting period for storage. The cut flowers of "Carola" were harvested 4 d ahead of time (grade 1), 2-3 d ahead of time (grade 2), 1 d ahead of time (grade 3), and on the same day (grade 4), and then stored at 4 ℃ for 20 d. Changes in the quality of the cut flowers were regularly observed during storage and vase insertion. The ethylene production rate of grade 2 cut flowers was lower than that of other harvested cut flowers, and the respiratory intensity of grade 2 cut flowers was lower than that of other harvested cut flowers to a certain extent before 15 d of storage, and the malondialdehyde content of grade 2 cut flowers was lower than that of other harvested cut flowers. At 20 d of storage and 8 d of vase insertion, the flower diameter of grade 2 cut flowers was large, which could maintain a higher degree of flower opening. The wilting index, decay rate and weight loss rate of the flowers were only 40.66%, 82.22% and 11%, which were lower than those of other cut flowers at the harvesting period, and the colour difference of the flowers had a higher value of L, a lower value of b, which indicated that the colour of grade 2 cut flowers was brighter and the yellowing phenomenon was effectively delayed. In conclusion, if the flowers were stored under 1 d of transport and 20 d of storage, the quality and ornamental value of the cut flowers could be maintained if the flowers were harvested 2-3 d earlier.