Lily Forcing Instructions

Tips for growing lilies in the greenhouse

Cut flower production of bulbs planted in the greenhouse border soil and in the field For greenhouse production, bulbs from the new harvest are planted directly into the greenhouse border soil, the ideal greenhouse temperature is 14 to 16°C all-year- round. Depending on cultivar, temperature and season, lilies will flower within 10 to 20 weeks. A large percentage of the cultivars can be delivered and planted year-round if stored at temperatures between 0.5 and -2°C. Depending on the climate and cultivar, lilies can also be planted outside in the field. During the summer months, shading protection will be required both in the greenhouse and outside. During light-deficient months, supplementary greenhouse lighting is recommended to prevent flower desiccation. Depending on the climate and cultivars, year-round flowering is possible under protection. Cut flower production in boxes in the greenhouse Production is very similar to growing in the greenhouse border soil. Instead of planting in the border soil, however, bulbs are planted in boxes. For optimum rooting boxes are placed in a rooting room at 5 to 12°C; maintaining a lower temperature means slower elongation and the possibility of planting earlier. After rooting, the boxes are placed in the greenhouse. This production method is frequently used for Oriental Hybrid group cultivars for year-round cultivation, but is also used for the initial rooting phase during warm periods of the year. Depending on the climate and cultivars, year-round flowering is possible. Pot lilies For pot lilies, bulbs of genetically short cultivars are usually used. Bulbs from the new harvest are planted in pots from December through to December next year and housed in the greenhouse, the ideal temperature being 14 to 16°C. Depending on the cultivar, temperature and season of the year, pots will be ready for sale in 9 to 16 weeks. A large percentage of the cultivars can be delivered and then planted year-round if stored at temperatures between 0.5 and -2°C. Depending on the climate and cultivars, pots can be marketed year-round. courtesy of www.bulb.com