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About cut lily growth experiments

The explosion of cut lily cultivars continues in the industry. While it is impossible to trial all lily cultivars (or, even a significant fraction of all available varieties), with these trials, we aim to present the characteristics of some recent introductions compared with older varieties of cut lilies. A range of oriental hybrids, LA-hybrids and a couple of oriental trumpets were trialed in 2010.

Bulbs were held at 1C until planting in lily crates with Lambert LM-111 planting mix. Orientals were planted 10 per lily crate (appx. 42/m2) and LAs were planted 12 per crate (appx 50/m2). After planting, crates were held at 7-8 C for a 2-week rooting period then grown in a 63 F night/70-72F day temperature greenhouse. Forcing started 18 February for the orientals (day 49) and 24 February (day 55) for the LAs. Normal fertilization measures were taken. Support netting was provided. There were 3 crates planted of each cultivar.

We collected data on the following: Date of full bud color, stem length (soil line to where bottom bud attaches to the stem), inflorescence length (from bottom bud aattachment to the stem to top of lounges bud), total stem length (soil line to top of lounges bud), number of good buds and/or flowers, number of bad (aborted, abscised, malformed, etc.) buds, and number of leaves. Also, any notes on problems (upper leaf necrosis, etc.).