Key Technical Points for Harvesting and Preserving Zephyr Lily Bulbs

[Other Chinese Names] Baiyu Lian, Changpu Lian, Cong Lan, Fengyu Hua

[Family and Genus] Amaryllidaceae, Zephyranthes

[Place of Origin] South America

[Plant Characteristics] Zephyr lily is a perennial herbaceous plant. Plant height 20-30 cm. It has underground bulbs, ovate, covered with a dark brown membranous tunic.

[Bulb Harvesting] The harvested part is the tunicated bulb of zephyr lily. After early autumn, when the aboveground part of the plant turns yellow and withered, it can be harvested. First carefully dig the bulbs out of the soil with a spade, then sieve them. Spread out the harvested bulbs to dry for 5-7 days, cut off the withered leaves, then cure them for 3-5 days before use.

[Grading] The harvested bulbs should be graded on the premise that they have the typical characteristics of this species, show no obvious damage, and are able to germinate normally: grade 1 bulbs have a circumference of about 7 cm; grade 2 bulbs have a circumference of about 6 cm; grade 3 bulbs have a circumference of about 5 cm. The difference in circumference between bulbs of the same grade should not exceed ±0.2 cm of the standard.

[Packaging] The zephyr lily bulbs of the same grade can first be stored in plastic drawer boxes, and then sub-packaged before going to market. At that time, kraft paper bags with perforated liners can be used as inner packaging; corrugated cardboard boxes marked with the product name can be used as outer packaging.

[Preservation Management] The bulbs can be stored in an environment with a relative humidity of 30%-35% and a temperature of 2-4°C.

[Storage Period] Treated according to the above method, zephyr lily bulbs can usually be stored for 10-11 weeks without affecting later planting.

[Horticultural Application] The zephyr lily plant is short, with green leaves and white flowers. It is mainly used as a ground cover plant, and can also be grown in pots for ornamental purposes.

[Planting Tips] Zephyr lily is a spring-planted bulbous flower, and its bulbs are mainly planted from March to April each year.