Key Techniques for Summer Management of Lily Cultivation

Lilies come in a wide variety of colors and varieties, with large, trumpet-shaped flowers, and are widely loved because their name implies “a harmonious union lasting a hundred years” and “a heart at peace with all things.” Summer is the main flowering and dormant period for lilies, and care and management during this time is very important.

Cooling and shading. The suitable growth temperature for lilies is 15°C to 25°C, and within this temperature range they can maintain good growth and flowering. When flowering, the potted plants can be moved to a cool place, or a shade cloth can be placed over the plants, and ventilation and cooling should be strengthened; this helps prolong the flowering period. Lily bulbs cannot tolerate high temperatures, so when the intense summer heat arrives, steps should be taken to lower the soil temperature; sawdust, chopped grass, leaves, and similar materials can be used to cover the surface of the potting soil to cool it.

Dormancy management. When the temperature rises above 30°C, lilies will gradually enter dormancy, and the stems and leaves will gradually turn yellow and wither. Once they have fully entered dormancy, the dead stems and leaves above ground should be cut off, and the soil should be kept on the dry side. If conditions permit, the lily bulbs can be dug out, buried in moist but somewhat dry peat soil, and stored in a low-temperature place, then taken out and planted again in autumn.

Watering and fertilizing. Early summer is the peak season for lily growth and flowering, so watering should be increased to keep the soil moist, and at the same time apply 10-fold diluted decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days; when buds appear, add 1000-fold diluted monopotassium phosphate solution once to twice. After flowering, apply 10-fold diluted decomposed liquid fertilizer mixed with an equal amount of 500-fold diluted monopotassium phosphate solution 2 to 3 times. When lilies begin to enter dormancy, water supply should be reduced, keeping the soil only slightly moist, to encourage dormancy.

Setting up supports to prevent breakage. Some lilies have large and numerous flowers, and their stems are relatively weak, so supports made of bamboo skewers or wire can be set up to secure them and prevent the flower stems from breaking.