Propagation: division of bulbils off mother bulb or scales, seeds which are HD - hypogeal delayed. Hardiness: zones 3-10 Seeds of Liliums fall into two groups, the first is: Epigeal Germination. Seed from this group germinates very quickly, within a few weeks from sowing; a strap shaped leaf breaks the potting medium, often with the shell case of the seed on it's tip. After a while, the first true broad leaf appears and you know you have the makings of a potential flowering Lilium a few inches below the surface of your potting medium. This quick method is called Epigeal germination. Just remember 'E' for easy. This said, within this group, some kinds, while germinating in exactly the same way, are conditioned not to do so straight away. When sown straight after harvesting, these may sulk to sprout in the spring; these are called epigeal delayed.
The other type of Lilium seed is called Hypogeal; 'H' for Hard. While the above group 'types' put all their effort of resources of their seed into immediate above the ground growth; some species are more quietly working away out of sight. They deploy all their resources of food that they have inherited from the seed into forming a little bulb by the side or just below the seed case. Not until the little bulb is big enough, does 'the little bulb' throw up its first true leaf. This underground method is called hypogeal.
Within Australia Species Lilium Sources:
Glenbrook Bulb Farm 28 Russell Road. Claremont 7011 Tasmania.
Shirley Tonkin Bryan H. Tonkin Sylvan Vale. Olinda Creek Road. Kalorama. Victoria 3766
Happy Gardening - Gary
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