Lilies have a good demand in the flower market as cut flower and pot plants.  Out of the different types of lilies, oriental types of lilies, Oriental and Asiatic hybrid are the most popular ones.

Lilies should be grown preferably under semi-shady conditions and on the sites having no danger of frost and strong winds.

In the western Himalayan region, lilies can be planted throughout the year except the monsoon.  Lilies can be planted in the plains in the month of October-November. Only the sprouted bulbs should be planted.

The nigh temperature should be around 10-15⁰C and the day temperature should be 20-25⁰C.

The plant should not be grown under direct sunlight.  In summer months, due to high light intensity, the plants become stunted in growth. A shading screen with 50-75% shade will be beneficial.

As a thumb rule, the bigger the bulbs more is the stem length and the number of flowers per stem. Bulbs less than 10/12 cm in circumference should not be used for flower production.  In oriental hybrid lilies, bigger bulbs (as big as 22/24 cm) should be planted as compared to other lilies.

Planting Density

Usually bulbs are planted 15 cm apart in a row and the distance between the rows is 30 cm approximately 28 bulbs are planted per sqm.

Harvesting

Soil with good texture and proper drainage should be preferred.  The soil should be light and porous but rich in organic matter. Lilies are sensitive to high concentration of salt which adversely affects the plant growth.  A soil pH between 5.5-7.0 is ideal.
            In order to reduce the chance of disease infection, the soil should be sterilized before planting the bulbs. Formalin @ 2% may be used to sterilize the soil.

Well rotten FYM should be mixed to the soil @ 1cum per 100 m² area. In heavy and more humus rich soils. FYM will often have an adverse effect on the soil structure as a result of its cementing action.
            Soil low in nutrient content should have phosphorus and potash as basal dose CaNO₃ (CAN) @ 1kg per 100 m² should be applied three weeks after planting the lilies.  Subsequently, when the plants are in active vegetative growth, the second dose of CAN should be applied @ 1 kg per 100 m².

Irrigation is one of the most important factors that promote growth in the cultivation of lilies.  Soil is watered before planting the bulbs.  Water liberally a few times after planting the bulbs so that the soil properly adheres to the bulbs and roots.  Since the stem roots develop in the top soil, it is essential that this top (30 cm) soil should be kept continuously moist However, there should not be any water stagnation.  During the dry spell the water consumption may be as high as 10 liters/m² per day.

Diseases

Bulb and Scale Rot

This disease is caused by the fungal pathogens fusarium and  Cylindrocarpon.  To avoid the disease, bulbs should be planted in pre-sterilized soils.  Bulbs should be dipped for one hour in 0.2% Captan + 0.2% Benlate to minimize the disease infection. Also keep the soil temperature as low as possible during the entire period of cultivation by frequently irrigating the field.

Foot Rot

To control the disease, sterilize the soil before planting the bulbs. Dithane M-45 may be applied @ 200 g per 100 m² as soil drench.

Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,Post Box No. 6 Palampur (H.P.) 176061 INDIA Tel: +91-1894-230742-43 Fax: +91-1894-230433
E-mail:director@ihbt.res.in