About Lilies
The lily is one of the most beautiful and elegant flowers in a garden. Lilies come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them popular for both landscaping and flower arrangement.
There are many different types of lilies, including exotic-looking ones such as the calla lily, which is often shaped like an arrow. Others look similar to tulips or roses with their petals open.
Some lilies have such a strong fragrance that they are often used in perfumes. The genus Lilium is composed of around 100 different species, with some of them being native to the northern hemisphere and others being native to the southern hemisphere.
Lilies can be grown from bulbs and come in all colors outside of blue. Some are shorter, reaching only a foot in height while others can grow to more than six feet tall.
Why Lilies are Must Have?
A garden without lilies is not a garden. It is just a yard. Lilies are plants that can grow with very little effort. They are also plants that can easily survive in a variety of climates. These are just some of the reasons why you should have lilies in your garden.
1. A huge variety
Lilies come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some look similar, others not so much. However, all of them will bring life to your garden and help it bloom and flourish. If you do not know how to choose the right type of lily for your garden, take some time to read about each type before making up your mind.
2. Easy to care for
As mentioned above, lilies will survive and thrive almost anywhere, even if they do not get any special care from you. That being said, we recommend that you water them regularly so that they grow strong and healthy roots. Also, make sure that each plant has enough space between its siblings so that it can grow and shine on its own accord. As long as the soil is fertile and there is enough sunlight during the day, your lilies will not disappoint you!
3. Perfect for bouquets
Vibrant and colorful, lilies make the perfect bouquet for any occasion. They’re classic flowers that never seem to go out of style. Their sweet aroma and beautiful petals are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Growing Lilies
They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them a versatile and eye-catching addition to your space. While they are easy to maintain, lilies do have some specific requirements that can help them thrive and grow.
Choose the right location. Lilies prefer full sun, but with ample water will tolerate partial shade. They can also grow in shady areas as long as they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Select quality bulbs. Check the bulbs before you plant them. They should have no mold or insect damage and should be firm to the touch. You may need to soak bulbs overnight if they feel dry before planting them. This will help them absorb water more readily when you plant them and prevent “transplant shock.”
Plant bulbs at the correct time. Bulbs are typically planted in the fall for summertime blooming or spring for wintertime blooming, depending on the species of bulb you have chosen.
Prepare the soil well. Lilies prefer average pH levels (6-7) and organic matter mixed into the soil. If you’re unsure of your soil’s pH level, take a sample to your local extension service to test it so you’ll know if it’s a perfect fit.
Caring Lilies
They are one of the most popular and widely used flowers in the world. The meaning of lilies depends on the type of lily, as well as the culture. Lilies are often regarded as royalty, while other cultures see them as purity, innocence, and beauty. Lilies are a gorgeous addition to any bouquet or arrangement. But how to care for lilies and make them last longer?
Here is some flower care advice about how to take care of lilies and make them last longer:
1. Use a sharp knife or clippers to cut your stems at an angle about one inch from the bottom. Cutting underwater will keep air from getting into your stem which is important for extending flower life.
2. Place your fresh cut flowers in a clean vase filled with fresh water (room temperature) containing flower food, available at most florists or grocery stores. If you do not have flower food available simply use lemon-lime soda pop instead!
3. Recut stems every few days and changes the water every other day to keep your lilies looking their best!
4. Lilies are sensitive to ethylene gas which is produced by ripening fruit and can cause damage to flowers so keep them away from fruits and vegetables.
Propagating Lilies
If you want to increase your stock of lily plants, propagation from seed is the way to go. Growing lilies from seeds take patience and diligence, but the rewards are many.
Step 1
Select a container for planting the seeds. Choose a container that is deep enough to allow for the growth of a healthy root system and wide enough to accommodate four or five seeds in each pot. You can use any container that has holes in the bottom for drainages, such as peat pots or plastic nursery pots.
Step 2
Fill the containers with soilless potting media. The media should be loose and free-draining, so it will not become waterlogged when watered. Most commercial soilless mixes work well, as long as they contain peat moss or another organic material that will retain moisture and nutrients needed by the seeds.
Step 3
Place the seeds on top of the media in each pot, spacing them evenly apart. Do not cover them with soil because lily seeds are light-dependent germinators and require exposure to sunlight in order to sprout. Place one or two more inches of lightweight, soilless potting mix on top of the seeds, then gently press it down with your hands until there is good contact between them.
Pest and Disease Lilies
Lilies can be pestered by certain pests and diseases. Read on to learn how to protect lilies from pests and diseases.
Pests
There are some insects that like to eat lilies, such as aphids and whiteflies. Aphids suck sap from the leaves of lilies, which causes them to turn yellow, curl up, and die. Whiteflies also suck sap from the leaves of lilies; they leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew which attracts ants and mold growth.
Diseases
Lily plants can contract various diseases such as fungal infections or rot. This often occurs when they are exposed to excessive moisture or humidity levels that are too high. If you see discoloration on your plant’s leaves or stems, this is an indication that it has been infected by a fungus or bacteria. If you notice any of these symptoms, remove affected parts immediately so they don’t spread throughout the rest of your garden.