Six key points to master for summer management of lilies

1. Fertilize according to seedling growth. After lilies are planted, they begin to emerge when the soil temperature reaches 14-16°C. Because lilies take a long time to emerge and consume a lot of nutrients, seedling fertilizer should be applied heavily. Apply 1000 kg of fully decomposed human and livestock manure or 20 kg of urea as a drench per 667 sq m. In early June, when lilies enter the early flowering stage, their underground bulbs grow faster. This period is critical for lily yield formation, and the fertilizer demand is large and concentrated, so a leaf-strengthening fertilizer should be applied as a top dressing. Apply 15 kg of urea per 667 sq m. Lilies have a habit of liking phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, so phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be added appropriately during top dressing, with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio of 1:0.6:0.8. In early July, if yellowing leaves and premature senescence from fertilizer deficiency are found in a field, spray 100 g of monopotassium phosphate and 0.5 kg-1 kg of urea per 667 sq m, mixed with 50 kg of water, on the leaves.

2. Weed according to the soil. The growth period of lilies is about 1 year, and they are often affected by weed damage, especially in spring and summer, which is the peak period for weed occurrence, competing with lilies for nutrients and water. Weeding once in early spring can increase soil temperature, and in summer, weeding can be done 2-4 times depending on the situation. Lily planting density is high, so when weeding, use a narrow hoe and cultivate carefully to avoid damaging the plants. You can also use 100 g of Gramoxone or Roundup per 667 sq m, mixed into a 400-500 times solution for weed control.

3. Top according to the leaves. When lily seedlings grow to about 40 leaves, pinch off the growing tips in time. This is an effective measure to control lily growth, reduce nutrient consumption, and promote bulb enlargement. Pinching the growing tips can increase lily yield by 8%-10%. Choose a sunny morning or evening for the operation. If conditions allow, water once after topping.

4. Remove flowers according to buds. In June, lilies enter the budding and flowering stage, which consumes energy for reproductive growth. During this period, the underground bulbs are still growing actively, and the contradiction in nutrient supply is prominent. Therefore, when lilies bud or the flower stem grows to 2-4 cm, removing the flowers in time can effectively promote scale enlargement.

5. Drain moisture according to waterlogging. Lilies are shade-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. High-bed cultivation is generally used. The "three ditches" in the field should be cleaned frequently, and drainage and cooling should be carried out in time to prevent damage from water stagnation.

6. Apply medicine according to disease. The main diseases of lilies include damping-off, leaf spot, and atrophy disease; the main pests include white grubs, leaf spot, cutworms, aphids, and lily mites, and the right remedy should be used for the symptoms. During the seedling stage, spraying Bordeaux mixture at 0.2:0.2:100 at intervals can help prevent diseases. If disease occurs, use 500-800 times solution of 75% carbendazim wettable powder, 400 times solution of 50% thiophanate-methyl, or 100 g of lüruketone mixed into a 400 times solution per 667 sq m for control. If roots are found to be bitten off and scales incomplete, use phoxim for control.