lilies as cut flowers?

15 years ago

I've got a cutting garden where about a dozen lily plants are located. My plan was to cut them, and have them return year after year.

If I cut the stalks, however, prior to the leaves yellowing, won't the bulbs suffer next year? Since the flowers will long be gone if I wait until the leaves yellow, you can see my 'catch 22' here.

What do all of you do? Is there a variety that is better for cutting? If I have to sacrifice the bulb each year, that could get expensive.

Thanks,

Matt

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Comments (2)

hostaholic2 z 4, MN
15 years ago
Try to leave 2/3 of the stalk to feed the bulb and most of the time you'll be fine.
Happy2BeeME
15 years ago
WARNING____I only have 4 so know NOTHING about lilies._____

I cut them just long enough to stand in the vase. Some times I wrap a pipe cleaner around the bottom of the stem to make them taller in the vase.

I also cut off the "dangly things" so pollen won't fall all over the table. (I'm quite sure that's the official name--"Dangly Things" :)) I already warned you I know nothing about them other than they are soooo pretty and smell nice.

I have never noticed cutting the blooms affecting the plant.

Mine are the pink with white that came in a swap going around several years ago. I'm sure they are common.

Sure hope someone can answer you better than I, I would like to know the answer too. Hostaholic's advise seems what I have been doing.

Karyn
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