How to Grow Lily of the Valley? Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Lily of the valley is an excellent potted ornamental flower, a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Convallaria in the lily family. The plant is short, elegant and refined, with a pleasant fragrance. It is usually used in flower beds and flower borders, and can also be used as ground cover. Its leaves are often used as cut-flower material. There are varieties with creamy white, pink and variegated leaves. In autumn, its red berries are delicate and charming, very alluring. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for lily of the valley!
Growth Habits of Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley likes semi-shaded, moist environments, prefers cool conditions, and dislikes hot, dry weather. It is hardy against severe cold and requires humus-rich loam and sandy loam. However, lily of the valley and lilac cannot be placed together, otherwise the lilac flowers will quickly wilt. If the lily of the valley is moved away, the lilac will recover to its original state. It also cannot be placed together with narcissus, otherwise both will suffer.
Propagation Methods of Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is usually propagated by division, which can be done in spring or autumn, with November being the best. Its rhizome has young buds of different sizes. After the aboveground parts wither in autumn, dig up the rhizomes, cut each terminal bud together with a section of rhizome, and plant it to form a new plant. For breeding or when introducing plants from distant places, seed propagation can be used, sowing in autumn, with germination the following spring.
Cultivation Methods of Lily of the Valley
1. Soil: Lily of the valley needs loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
2. Watering: Water lily of the valley 1 to 2 times a day. During the growing period, supplement water according to weather conditions and the soil as appropriate.
3. Fertilizing: Apply diluted cake fertilizer water or compound liquid fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days. After each watering and fertilizing, cultivate and weed in time.
4. Light: After potting, place it in a sheltered spot, water appropriately and keep it in a dark place. After 10 to 15 days, gradually move it to a bright location.
5. Temperature: Keep the cultivation temperature at 12 to 14 degrees C. After 10 to 15 days, move it into the sun for care, and raise the room temperature to 20 to 22 degrees C.
6. Pruning: After lily of the valley blooms, it is best to cut off the stems and branches early so that nutrients are concentrated in supplying the rhizome.
7. Repotting: After new shoots sprout in early spring, remove the covering, loosen the soil, and repot once a year.
Precautions for Growing Lily of the Valley
1. Apply thoroughly fermented topdressing once each in early spring and late autumn. After 10 to 15 days, gradually move it to a bright location, raise the room temperature to 20 degrees C and the bottom temperature to 22 degrees C, and increase watering and topdressing. After 3 weeks, it can bloom.
2. In terms of management, apply sufficient base fertilizer. After sprouting in spring, water with diluted decomposed cake fertilizer once every 7 to 10 days. When flower stalks appear, after flowers fade, and after autumn, apply liquid fertilizer once each.
3. Lily of the valley likes a moist soil environment and cannot tolerate drought. Frequently spray water around the environment to maintain relatively high air humidity. The water used is best soft water. After planting, water thoroughly, and pay attention to watering during drought.
4. In cultivation areas, no pests or diseases have been found in lily of the valley, so pesticide control is generally unnecessary. If brown spot disease occurs, spray with 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 700 times dilution.
5. When grown in a greenhouse, lily of the valley is prone to pest and disease invasion. Commonly seen are fungal diseases such as stem rot, anthracnose and leaf spot. Regularly use copper-based fungicides for prevention and control, and strictly prohibit collecting seeds from diseased plants for propagation. Once diseased plants are found, destroy and remove them immediately to prevent spread.