Expert: Long Island Gardener - 1/3/2008

Question
I just bought a hybrid lily plant with orange flower. I think it is Asiatic lily.
If I plant it outdoor, will it flower in the future?
I live in Orlando, Florida area (zone 9b)

Thanks

Answer
The only thing that worries me here, Julie, is that you 'think' you bought an Asiatic Lily.

There are LOTS of Lilies.  Some of them will grow in Florida.  Some will struggle.  Some WILL NOT -- unless you are a loyal and devoted Lily Lover.

Let's assume you're right.  Let's figure you purchased a beautiful, blooming Asiatic Lily.  Orange Flowers adds up to Asiatic for me.  Add more points if your Lily has NO Fragrance, because Asiatics are known for their vivid and varied colors -- not their scents.

Still look Asiatic to you?

Good.  Now let's look at the other facts.

Officially, Asiatics can grow and flower quite contentedly all the way down to Florida Zone 10.  But there are strings attached to that.  Because un-officially, Asiatics cannot grow or flower unless they get the same Cold treatment and dormant period that other Lilies get.

Lilies generally must rest and go dormant to be able to regenerate for the next season.  They need COLD weather.  The thermomenter MUST be registering in the 40s for weeks during this dormancy.

Here's where growing your Lily starts to take up large pieces of your life.

Since you don't have much Cold weather outside in Florida, you must find it IN-side. In your house.  And people do actually do this.  Lily-lovers lift their beloved bulbs and store them for several weeks in their refrigerator.

Growers do this for you.  That's how they get BLOOMING Lilies to pot and peddle.

In fact, Julie, you would not believe some of the things those growers do to sell these plants.  They order frozen Bulbs from a supplier up North and thaw them carefully under very controlled conditions.  Then they pot them up and maintain the potting Soil temperature at 55 degrees F.

The Lilies sprout a few weeks later.  At that point, the Grower starts to fiddle with the temperature of the Soil AND the air, with average temps around 60 degrees F.  Because if they grow these too warm, the flowers will not open property or the plant will get sick.

50 to 55 degree F nights and 63 to 68 degree F days is the industry standard.  Growing them outdoors in Florida at this stage tends to destroy the flowers.  Although every Lily is different.  30 days later, the Lily blooms.  Growth regulating chemicals extend bloom life and and shelf life from only 7 to 21 days.

To grow them in your garden, just un-planting them around October 1 and moving them to the fridge.  When you replant, which should be very easy since your ground won't freeze, be certain that you have added plenty of organic matter and that there is EXCELLENT drainage.

The closest local chapter of the North American Lily Society to your Orlando location is thousands of miles away, in Virginia.  There is also one in Zone 9-10, in El Cerritto, on the West Coast of California.  So I can't send you down the street unfortunately for friendly hands on advice on this little project.

But I can tell you that Asiatic Lilies fare best when grown in a moist, well-drained location, in full Sun.  The Soil should be Acidic; professional growers shoot for a pH measuring in the area of 5.8 to 6.4.  Peatmoss is a good Soil amendment because it tips the pH down.  But you must have plenty of Sand in the pot or landscape (which I know you have in spades down there) to ensure perfect drainage.

And it helps to have a relative in the business.

Of course, you can alternately move to colder pastures.  Or watch wistfully as it fades away, then replace it with a new one.

Remember, there are many, many breathtaking flowers that grow EASILY in Florida and are extremely demanding up here on Long Island.  Consider growing one of those if you are looking for flowers to love.  Let me know.  I'll help you decide.

Thanks for writing.  Sorry I can't be more optimistic, and that this takes so ridiculously much time.  Pleasure meeting you.