Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 3/8/2004

Question
Hi there...

My wife and i just planted some bulbs based on the instructions...we are looking to grow a nice cutting garden.  We planted Asiatic and LA Hybrid lilies and yellow cannas.  The package didn't go into care...just planting instructions.  Can you give us some hints on proper care and an idea of time frame of how long they take to grow/bloom, etc.

we live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Very warm and humid.

thank you.

Answer
LA lilies and Asiatics grow and bloom very fast (6-8 weeks) in warm soil. Fertilize the lilies as they emerge from the ground and again as they are just about to open in flower.

When cutting the flowers, do so when the bottom flower is open and the other buds are getting puffy (buds start out hard compact and green, then 'color-up' and becomes puffy before opening). Cut lilies just as the bottom flower open and others are in bud. Cut off the pollen pods with scissors making sure you do not get pollen on your clothes or on the flowers (if pollen makes contact with flowers the flowers wither). If you get pollen on clothes or fabric, let it dry (do not rub with your hands) and then blow off. Do not rub and no water/greese.

When you cut lilies, cut no more than top 1/3 of the stem leaving the rest of the stem with leaves to conduct photosynthesis (e.g. charge the bulb for next year's bloom). The remaining stem should be left alone until it turns brown and wither on it's own. Make sure you water regularily through this period.

LA lilies probably flower later than Asiatics. These plants prefer partial shade or full sun (except hot afternoon sun). They do well in a well drained soil, but avoid letting them get bone dry or the flowers will be of poor quality or missing.

Calla lilies will sprout fast in warm soil and should be grown where they can be kept continously moist. they are ok if planted near a bog or water garden. If you can not do this, make sure you mix in plenty of compost and water continously to keep it evenly moist. too dry and you will have no flowers. These plants prefer partial shade in your area. Cut flowers just as they open and recut stems under water. Fertilize regularily through season with annual plant fertilizer.

Indoors plants should be put in water and then refrigerated for a few hours to stop the ethylene flow. Recut stems under water every 2-3 days and change water daily. Use 1 table spoon of vinegar to the vase to reduce pH and extend the time the flowers are viable.