Cutting the Stem of Lilies

Well, it's been quite a busy time for us here at the farm and nursery.  We have been doing some outdoor reconstruction for our venues, building a lily garden display, and making room for more and new lilies.  I am in the process of breeding our own lily culture and really excited to see the results (it will take about four years).  Still working on the garden display and hope to have it ready for viewing by next bloom season.  The heat here in Oregon has finally arrived and really did a number on some of the oriental blooms.  We couldn't move them to the shade quick enough.

Hot Lips Oriental Lily

Some of the Oriental Lily, and Trumpet Lily blooms if exposed to extreme heat and full sun all day, do not tolerate the heat very well and will last only a week or two no matter how much water you give them.  Morning sun and blooming in afternoon shade is the best location for Ornamental lilies.  Asian, tigers, and orienpets can withstand full sun or heat. 

Some of the most common questions I am asked is "what do I do with the lily stem after is has bloomed?, or where do I cut for bouquets, and how far back do I cut it?"  It is best if you cut the stem no less than four inches above ground and leave a whorl or two of leaves.  If there are no leaves at the four inch area, go ahead and cut it there or move up on the stem until you are above some leaves.  Either way, it isn't critical.  This provides nutrients, plant sugar, and water for the mother bulb before it goes dormant.

Here is an added bonus:  after a week or two, you will see new bulb-lits forming either on the stem, at ground level, or just below the surface.  

Remove and plant the new bub-lits on the stem one inch below ground level but leave the ones below or at ground level.  In a few years, you'll have an blooming group of lilies!  Once the stem has browned and dried out, remove it with a gentle tug.  I prefer to remove the dead, dried out stem rather than leave it. This will prevent rot or diseases from entering the mother bulb.

Meanwhile, back at the farm...