Introduction to Lilium

• Botanical Name:
  • Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily)
  • Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily)

Family: Liliaceae

Lilium, commonly referred to as lilies, are prized for their large, fragrant, and beautiful flowers, often used in floral arrangements, decorative purposes, and for ceremonial occasions. There are several hybrids, each with its distinct color and growth characteristics.

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type:
  • Well-drained, sterile medium: The soil must be free from any contaminants and should allow excess water to drain away to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to bulb rot.
  • Ideal Soil Mix: A combination of leaf mould, cocopeat, and FYM (Farm Yard Manure) in equal proportions offers an optimal growing medium. These materials provide essential nutrients, retain moisture, and improve aeration around the bulb.
  • Soil pH: Lilium prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. This pH range ensures nutrient availability and good root development.
  • Soil Treatment: Before planting, beds should be treated with Dazomet (@ 30 g/m²) fumigation. This helps to sterilize the soil, killing harmful pathogens, weeds, and pests.

Climate Requirements

• Ideal Climate:
  • Temperature: Lilium thrives in greenhouses where the climate can be controlled.
    • Day temperature: Ideal range is 18-22°C. This moderate warmth encourages active growth.
    • Night temperature: The temperature should drop slightly to 10-15°C at night. This helps the plants rest and recover, promoting better blooming.

Lilium needs a cool to moderate climate to grow and produce flowers with optimal fragrance and color.

• Humidity: While they prefer a controlled greenhouse environment, humidity should be maintained at moderate levels (60-70%) to prevent fungal diseases.

Lilium Varieties

Lilium comes in several hybrids, each with distinct features suited for different commercial needs. These include:

i) Asiatic Hybrids:

• • Dreamland: Yellow flowers, highly popular in arrangements.
  • Brunello: Orange flowers, vibrant and striking.
  • Novona: White flowers, very classic and pure.
  • Pollyanna: Yellow flowers, widely loved for their beauty.
  • Yellow Giant: Large yellow blooms, excellent for large floral displays.
  • Vivaldi: Pink flowers, offering a softer touch.
  • Black Out: Deep red flowers, ideal for dramatic floral compositions.

ii) Oriental Hybrids:

• • Star Gazer: A pink and white flower with a strong fragrance.
  • Nerostar: Known for its rich color and vibrant blooms.
  • Siberia: White with a subtle fragrance.
  • Acapulco: White and pink striped flowers, elegant.
  • Casablanca: Classic white flower, highly prized for its fragrance

iii) Eastern Lily (L. longiflorum):

• • Elegant Lady: White, tall flowers.
  • Ace: White flowers with a slightly yellow tint.
  • Snow Queen: Pure white blooms, commonly used in floral designs.
  • American: White flowers, popular for religious ceremonies.
  • Croft: Small, delicate flowers.
  • Harbor: White with slight variations in color.

Propagation of Lilium Lilium is primarily propagated by bulbs, a highly efficient method for commercial cultivation.

• Dormancy Break:
  • Cold storage: Bulbs need to be placed in cold storage at a temperature between 2°C and 5°C for 6 weeks before planting. This period helps break the dormancy of the bulbs, making them ready for growth.

Planting and Spacing

• Spacing:
  • The recommended spacing depends on the cultivar and bulb size. Typical planting distances include:
    • 20 x 15 cm
    • 15 x 15 cm
    • 15 x 10 cm
  • This gives a plant density of 30 to 60 plants/m².

Proper spacing is essential to ensure adequate airflow, nutrient availability, and room for bulb expansion.

• Planting Depth:
  • Bulbs should be planted at a depth of approximately 3 times the height of the bulb. This ensures proper root establishment and prevents the bulb from being exposed to excessive heat or pests.

Irrigation Management

Watering is critical in maintaining healthy growth. Lilium plants are relatively water-intensive, especially during their flowering phase.

• Irrigation Requirements:
  • Summer: Lilium requires around 6-8 liters/m²/day to maintain adequate moisture levels, ensuring strong stem and flower development.
  • Winter: The water requirement decreases to 5-6 liters/m²/day during the colder months, as growth slows down.

Drip irrigation systems are ideal for providing consistent and controlled water to the plants.

Fertilization (Nutrient Requirements)

To promote vigorous growth and blooming, Lilium plants require a balanced fertilization schedule:

• Fertigation Schedule (weekly):
  • Calcium Nitrate: 2.5 g/m²/week – Provides calcium, crucial for strong cell walls.
  • 19:19:19 Fertilizer (Balanced NPK): 0.5 g/m²/week – A balanced source of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
  • Potassium Nitrate: 2.2 g/m²/week – Enhances flower color and increases resistance to diseases.
  • Micronutrient Mixture: 1.2 g/m²/week – Supplies essential micronutrients for healthy growth.

Fertigation ensures nutrients are delivered directly to the roots, improving uptake efficiency.

Crop Support Lilium plants can grow tall, and their heavy blooms can cause the stems to bend or break. Thus, proper support is essential:

•  Support Mechanism: Use nylon mesh or string to support the plants and keep the stems upright. This prevents breakage and ensures that the flowers are displayed beautifully.

Harvesting Lilium Flowers

• Harvesting Time: Lilium flowers should be harvested when the lower-most bud shows color, but the flower is not fully open. This stage is known as the color-breaking stage, which ensures the flower remains fresh post-harvest.
• Cutting: Cut the flowers with sharp knives to avoid damaging the stems. Be careful not to disturb the remaining buds on the stem.
• Post-Harvest Handling: Flowers should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated space to avoid wilting. They can continue to bloom after harvest if stored in proper conditions.

Crop Duration The time to maturity for Lilium varies based on the hybrid:

• Asiatic Hybrids: 8 to 10 weeks from planting to harvest.
• Oriental Hybrids: 14 to 16 weeks from planting to harvest.

This time span is affected by the temperature, care, and the variety being grown.

Yield of Lilium Flowers

• Yield Estimates:
  • The yield typically ranges between 30-40 flower stems/m², depending on the hybrid, care, and environment.
  • Higher yields are achievable with optimal growing conditions and proper management practices.