Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Prolonging Lily Blooms: Unveiling the Little-Known Secrets for Stunning and Long-Lasting Displays

The lily is a popular flower of choice for Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Many families adorn their homes with this beautiful flower, but the secret to keeping lilies blooming and vibrant is a mystery to most. Uncover the tips and tricks to ensure your lilies thrive and endure, adding a touch of elegance to your celebrations.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Lily flowers are beloved for their delicate appearance, vibrant colors, and enchanting fragrance. They are a popular choice for many Vietnamese families during the Tet holiday. Read on as Bach Hoa XANH shares some secrets to help you display lilies beautifully and prolong their lifespan.

1 How Long Do Cut Lilies Last?

Typically, cut lily flowers can stay fresh for about 7 to 10 days. The lifespan of lilies may vary depending on the weather, the flowering season, and the number of buds and shoots on the plant. However, with proper care, you can extend the blooming period to up to 14 days.

Lilies can be displayed for up to 14 days

2 Secrets to Displaying Lilies Beautifully and Prolonging Their Lifespan

Choose Fresh Flowers

Opt for lily stems with both buds and fresh, pollen-rich flowers. Carefully inspect the larger blooms for any signs of damage, ensuring the petals are intact and the buds are long and plump. The petals should feel smooth to the touch, and the flower should exude a subtle fragrance.

Examine the stem closely for any breaks or damage, and ensure the leaves are vibrant green and free from pests. A broken stem or leaves infested with insects indicate a higher likelihood of bud and flower drop.

Avoid flowers that are already in full bloom, as they will have a shorter lifespan once you bring them home. Also, steer clear of petals with excess pollen, as it can cause the flowers to turn black, reducing their display time.

How to choose fresh lily flowers

Remove the Pollen

Pollen can cause lily flowers to turn black prematurely, shortening their lifespan. Therefore, it’s essential to remove the pollen before arranging the flowers to ensure they stay fresh for up to two weeks. Additionally, pollen can trigger allergies in some sensitive individuals.

Remove pollen from lily flowers

Make Your Own Flower Food Solution

Prepare a solution with acidic and disinfectant properties.

There are two effective methods for creating a nourishing solution for your flowers. For the first method, mix 1 liter of mouthwash with 4.5 liters of water. The listerine and bactericide in the mouthwash act as acids, helping the flowers absorb water more effectively and promoting even blooming.

Alternatively, you can create a mixture of 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and ½ tablespoon of bleach to nourish your flowers and extend their lifespan.

Use Aspirin

Aspirin helps increase the acidity of the water, combating bacteria that cause root rot and unpleasant odors. Crush an aspirin tablet and add it to the water before arranging your flowers.

Make your own flower food solution

Use Hairspray

To preserve the original shape of the flowers, try using hairspray. Hold the hairspray can about 25-30 cm away from the flowers and spray upwards to prevent rapid blooming and minimize petal drop.

Now you know the secrets to displaying lilies beautifully and prolonging their lifespan. Get yourself a bunch of lilies this Tet holiday and put these tips into practice to enjoy their beauty for longer.

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Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to prolong the life of lily blooms. Firstly, choose healthy, firm bulbs with no signs of mold or damage. Plant them at the right depth and space them adequately to ensure proper air circulation. Water the lilies regularly, focusing on the roots, and avoid over-watering to prevent rot. Provide sufficient sunlight, and remove faded flowers to encourage re-blooming. Additionally, fertilize the plants during the growing season and consider using a bloom-boosting fertilizer for extended displays.

Some mistakes to avoid include over-watering, which can lead to root rot. Under-watering is also detrimental, so ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Planting lilies too deeply can cause them to rot, and inadequate sunlight will result in fewer blooms. Removing faded flowers is crucial to encourage new growth and prevent seed formation, which drains the plant’s energy.

To encourage re-blooming, remove the faded flowers and cut back the stems to just above a set of healthy leaves. Provide a bloom-boosting fertilizer and ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight. With proper care, lilies can often produce a second, albeit smaller, round of blooms later in the season.

For impressive displays, consider mixing different varieties of lilies with complementary colors and bloom times. Also, plant lilies in groups to create a bold impact. To extend the display, stagger the planting times by a few weeks, ensuring a continuous display of blooms throughout the season. Additionally, consider using supports or stakes to showcase the flowers and protect them from wind damage.

To prevent the spread of diseases and pests, it is important to practice good garden hygiene. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts and refrain from composting them. Ensure your gardening tools are clean and disinfected before use. Also, encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests.