Where do lilies grow? A detailed explanation of growth period length and environmental requirements
The lily is a flower we love very much, not only because it looks beautiful, but also because it is pure and noble. In the West, the lily has always been regarded as the “flower of the Virgin Mary”, but do you know where lilies grow? How long is the growth period? What are the requirements for the growing environment?
Where do lilies grow? What are the requirements for the growing environment?
1. The lily is a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family, native to China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere. It likes moisture and light, and is currently mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including eastern Asia, Europe and North America;
2. At least 120 varieties have been found worldwide, of which 55 are native to China. In recent years there have been many new varieties produced through artificial hybridization, such as Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies and fire lilies.
3. The bulb is rich in starch, is edible, and is also used medicinally.
4. Lilies should be planted in a spot with plenty of sunlight and high, dry ground; the soil layer should be fertile and well drained. Lilies are not suitable for continuous cropping in the same soil.
5. Lilies are suited to sandy loam with a deep, fertile and loose soil layer. They like cool conditions and are relatively cold tolerant.
6. Growth is poor in high-temperature regions. They like dry conditions and fear waterlogging. If soil moisture is too high, the bulbs rot and die.
7. They are not demanding about soil, but in deep, fertile and loose sandy loam the bulbs are whiter in color and thicker in flesh. Heavy clay soil is not suitable for cultivation.
How long is the lily's growth period?
The flowering period of lilies varies greatly with the variety. Depending on temperature, lilies can bloom from May to October, and the flowering period can also be controlled artificially, so lilies can be seen blooming all year round. Each lily blooms for two to three weeks, and some varieties can last more than a month.
How can the lily's flowering period be extended?
1. Remove the pollen:
Remove the pollen from the lilies you receive; you can simply pick it off with your hands, and this can effectively extend the lily's flowering period. Do not ask me why, but this is indeed an effective method. (This method applies not only to cut flowers; it can also be used for planted flowers!)
2. Add vitamin C to the water:
Put 3 vitamin C tablets into the vessel of water prepared for the lilies, and this can effectively extend the lily's flowering period. Besides vitamin C, adding a small amount of salt to the water or pouring in a small amount of beer can also help extend the flowering period; a small amount of soft white sugar can also be added at the same time, and the soft white sugar can make the lily's color more vivid.
3. Trim the end of the flower stem:
When you notice that the lilies are showing a slight sign of drying out, you can cut a section off the end of the lily stems, then put them into cooler water, and after about 2 hours you will notice a difference.
4. Pour cut flower preservative into the water:
This method is also the most commonly used, because flower shops provide it; just pour a small amount of cut flower preservative into the water vessel, and the lily's flowering period can easily be extended.
5. Soak in hot water:
Put the ends of the lily stems into hot water and soak them for 10 seconds. Be sure not to exceed 10 seconds, so as not to scald the stems. Then put them into water, and the flowering period can be effectively extended.
6. Roast over fire:
Roast the ends of the lily stems over fire until the color turns brown, then put them into water, and the flowering period can be effectively extended.