Methods and Technical Key Points for Storing Lilies in Sand

Storing lilies buried in fine sand limits the oxygen supply available for their respiration to a certain extent, which helps prevent aging. At the same time, the temperature and humidity in the fine sand remain relatively stable. In the early storage period, when the lilies respire vigorously, the sand can absorb part of the moisture; in the later storage period, when the lily bulbs need moisture, the fine sand can supply some of it again, thereby keeping the lilies in a relatively suitable storage environment throughout. Sand storage can keep lilies until the following spring.

Pre-storage handling: Lilies prefer warmth and fear cold, and cannot tolerate wind; after exposure to wind, the scales easily turn red and dry out. Newly harvested lily bulbs should be kept out of the sun to prevent the outer scales from discoloring and losing water. After harvest, promptly remove the stems and soil, trim off the rootlets, and select bulbs that are white in color, large, fresh, round and neat, with plump scales, no separated scales, and no brown scorched scales, then grade them for storage.

Key points of sand storage: Build a burial pit with bricks in a cool room or basement. First spread fine sand 5-7 cm thick on the bottom of the pit, then arrange the lily bulbs on the sand, cover with fine sand 3-4 cm thick, place another layer of bulbs on the sand, and stack in this way, with a height of 100 cm being appropriate. Finally, cover the top with soil or sand and straw 20-30 cm thick. The covering thickness should be moderate; if too thin, the lily bulbs easily dehydrate and lose freshness; the covering sand and soil should be slightly dry, as excessively high humidity easily causes the lilies to root and rot. During storage, check frequently to prevent heating and rotting inside the pile; the temperature inside the pile should preferably be 5-11°C.