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Growing Lilium 2

© Bill Richardson

Welcome!

to the second part of this interesting topic. We continue with methods of propagation, shade, mulching and growing on your little seedlings.

Cutting the scales carefully off your Lilium bulbs is another method of successful Lilium propagation. Plant the the individual scales in a good potting mix just a little below the surface of the mix and they will also produce little bulbils which can be planted on.

Shade and mulching is important for Lilium bulbs in hot weather. They will grow well as long as they are protected on hot days by mulching the roots and giving them afternoon shade if possible, which will also help the flowers last longer. Lilium bulbs need good drainage and most do not like lime in the soil.

Lilium bulbs, when being moved or dug up, must not be allowed to dry out. If need be, you can store them in damp peat moss for transportation or, until you are ready to plant them. Don't keep them out of the ground too long.

Use polypropylene tomato or fruit boxes containing about four to six inches of mix to plant seeds. Divide the box into sections and plant at least six different species or hybrids and label them accordingly.

The advantage of using polystyrene boxes is that you can shift them around if need be or transport them easily in the boot of your car.

Put the boxes up on bricks or wood for good drainage and to keep snails at bay. 1 have even put them on top of each other for storage until the seeds germinate and need light. You can also cover the top with wet newspaper until the seeds germinate to keep the them moist. Alternatively, cover the top with shadecloth and place under polythene frames if needed.

The seedlings will be best left in the box for two seasons at least, so make sure you have enough soil for the roots to grow in. You can usually split up the seedlings and repot in the third year but you will possibly get some flowers in the second year.

Use 5 inch pots for potting on, as smaller pots tend to dry out too quickly and heat up on hot days. Another idea is to line the pots with foil to stop the heat getting into the pots. Feed Liliums regularly whilst growing on, with a liquid fertiliser, osmocote, or blood and bone. Give the seedlings morning sun and afternoon shade. Try cross pollinating your own Lilium plants and you may get some interesting results. The different types of Liliums are classed as asiatics- trumpets - aurelians - oriental hybrids - as well as all the true species ; also, there is a long list of miscellaneous hybrids and other types available.

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