The Bigger the Lily Bulb…
Question: When you plant larger lily bulbs, what is the result?
A. More flower buds.
B. A longer harvest window.
C. A longer the vase life.
D. All of the above.
‘Easy Fantasy’ lily. (a pollen free hybrid) This stem had 6 buds from a size 14/16 bulb.
Which is it? You’ll be pleased to know the answer is “D”, all of the above! And here’s why:
Larger lily bulbs pack more energy and the resulting flower stalks are stronger and have more flowers, too. A size 16/18 asiatic lily or longiflorum-asiatic (LA) hybrid can have about 6-10 flower buds, a size 14/16 may produce about 4-6 buds, and a smaller size 12/14 bulb may produce just 2-4 flower buds. Size 10/12 bulbs produce closer to 1-2 buds. There is some variation between types of lilies, but all lilies reflect this rule: larger bulbs result in more flower buds per stem.
Lilies are harvested when the lowest bud begins to show color and can be held in water in a flower cooler for weeks. When lilies start to bloom, the lowest flowers on the stalk bloom first and the flowers open one at a time in succession about or per day or every other day. If the first bud opens before a grower can harvest or sell the stem, the flower can be snipped off to allow for easier market bouquet preparation, shipping, or design work. The remaining flower buds will still open and provide a beautiful display.
Lilies with many buds take longer to fully open and provide a longer vase life than stems with few buds. For this reason, larger bulbs also produce flower stalks with a stronger vase life.
We’re offering mostly size 14/16 lily bulbs in 2025 with a few varieties as smaller bulbs size 12/14 and a few varieties as 16/18. Flower bulb size numbers correspond to the circumference of the bulb in centimeters.
Have a question about lilies? We’re happy to help! Leave us a comment on this post or reach out through our Contact form.