Ginger Lily, also known as Butterfly Lily: Characteristics and Growing Methods

Variety origin: Native to southern and southwestern China, India, Malaysia and Australia, and further developed into a cut flower variety through multiple generations of selection.

Variety distribution: Cultivated in all counties, cities and districts on the outskirts of Guangzhou, with the highest output in Fangcun District.

Variety characteristics: A perennial bulbous flower, with underground stems resembling ginger, and the above-ground part growing in clumps, with a single stem that does not branch. Plant height 1-1.5 m, with 8-10 leaves. The terminal spike-type pinecone-shaped inflorescence has green bracts containing 2-3 white flowers, extremely fragrant, with a flowering period from May to November.

Variety traits: It prefers a hot, humid and slightly shaded environment, and grows well in slightly acidic, fertile sandy loam. When the winter temperature drops below 10°C, the above-ground part withers, and the underground ginger blocks go dormant to overwinter.

Cultivation points: After deep plowing, form high ridges and apply sufficient base fertilizer. Propagate by dividing the bulbs of the underground stems; if planted at Qingming, it can flower by the following Liqiu. The suitable temperature during the growing period is 22-28°C. Apply 1-2 topdressings of dilute nitrogen fertilizer, and the soil must be kept moist. When harvesting cut flowers, it is best to cut from the soil surface to promote the sprouting of new plants. After 2-3 years of cultivation, the soil surface is completely occupied by ginger blocks, which affects growth. Every winter, 1/3 of the underground stems must be removed, and the vacated space rotated to promote the regeneration of old plants; the remaining ones must be given a large amount of organic fertilizer and covered with soil to overwinter. Waterlogging and dense planting make it prone to ginger blast disease.