The most stately and varied of bulbous plants. Many plants that have “lily” as part of their common name are not TRUE lilies by genus or definition. True lilies belong to the genus Lilium. They grow from bulbs made of thickset, overlapping scales without a protective layer. True lilies, with narrow strip formed leaves from top to bottom, form from their rigid stems. Large, ostentatious flowers develop at the very tip of the stem. Bowl shaped, Trumpet-shaped, or bell shaped these with sometimes brightly colored petals give of a delightful aroma. Some Lilies dip downwards, face outwards, or turn upwards.
Lily growers began a significant breeding program in 1925. They bred new hybrids from species with desirable qualities developing strains and varieties that were healthier and easier to grow than the original flowers and in doing so were able to produce new forms and new colors. Most importantly, they evolved the methods for growing healthy lilies in larger quantities.
PLANTING PROCESS
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Lilies have 3 basic cultural requirements:
- Deep, loose, well-drained soil.
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- Ample moisture year round. Sam Whiskey on dvd
- Coolness and shade at roots, and sun or filtered shade at tops where flowers form. Evil Dead II
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Plant bulbs as soon as possible after you purchase them. If you’re forced to delay planting, keep them in a cool place until you are able to plant. If bulbs are dry, place them in moist sand or peat moss until scales get plump and new roots begin to sprout. In coastal fog belts, plant lilies in an open, sunny position, but protect them from strong winds. In warmer, drier climates, light or filtered shade is desirable.
Deep, well-drained soil that contains sufficient organic materials will grow good lilies. Spread a 3-4 in. layer of such material over surface; put out complete fertilizer (follow label directions for pre-planting application) on top of it, then thoroughly blend both into soil as you dig to a depth of at least 1 foot.
Before planting bulbs, remove any injured portions and dust cuts with sulfur or a special antifungal seed and bulb disinfectant. For each bulb, dig a generous planting hole (six to twelve inches deeper than depth of bulb). Place enough soil at bottom of hole to bring it up to the appropriate level for bulb (see below). Set bulb with its roots spread; fill in hole with soil, firming it in around bulb to eliminate air pockets. If your area is infested with gophers, you may have to plant each bulb in a six inch square wire basket made of half-inch hardware cloth. The depth of the basket will depend on the planting depth which varies according to size and rooting habit of bulb. General rule is to cover smaller bulbs with two to three inches of soil medium sized bulbs with three to four inches, and larger bulbs with four to six inches. Planting depth can be quite flexible. It’s better to err by planting shallowly than too deeply; lily bulbs have contractile roots that draw them down to proper depth. Ideal spacing for lily bulbs is one foot apart, but you can plant as close as six inches for densely massed effect.
CARING FOR THE PLANT
After planting, water well and mulch area with two to three inches of organic material to conserve moisture, keep soil cool, and reduce weed growth. Lilies need constant moisture to about 6 inches deep. You can reduce watering somewhat after tops turn yellow in fall, but never allow roots to dry out completely. Flooding is preferable to overhead watering, which may help to spread disease spores. Pull weeds by hand if possible; hoeing may injure roots
Virus or mosaic infection is a problem. No cure exists. To avoid it, buy healthy bulbs from reliable sources. Dig and destroy any lilies that show mottling in leaves or seriously stunted growth. Control aphids, which spread the infection. Control botrytis blight, a fungus disease, with appropriate fungicide. Control gophers as they relish lily bulbs. Remove faded flowers. Wait until stems and leaves turn yellow before you cut plants back.
LILIES ARE FINE CONTAINER PLANTS
Place one bulb in a deep five to seven inch pot or five bulbs in a fourteen to sixteen inch pot. First, fill pot half full of potting mix. Then place the bulb with roots spread and pointing downward; cover with about an inch of soil. Water thoroughly and place in deep cold frame or greenhouse that is heated (in colder climates) just enough to keep out frost. During the root-forming period, keep soil moderately moist. When top growth appears, add more soil mixture and gradually fill pot as stems elongate. Leave one inch space between surface of soil and rim of pot for watering. Move pots onto partially shaded terrace or patio during blooming period.
When foliage turns yellow, withhold water somewhat but do not let soil become bone dry, since lilies never go completely dormant. You can repot bulbs in late fall or early spring.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a lovely evening in the comfort of your home, the best way to ring in the New Year and add to your festivities is with a floral arrangement. If you’re short on time (and why should it be any different from the other 364 days of the year?), here are five great tips to get florally festive…..And fast!
