Longiflorum lilies, or Easter lilies as they are more commonly known, are a must have in Easter floral designs. Symbolizing purity, hope, innocence, and peace, these elegant blooms can be artfully arranged with smaller size blooms or create an absolutely magnificent design arranged by themselves. Following a few simple care and handling tips, Easter lilies will perform extremely well and add the perfect touch to your holiday designs.
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Exposure to ethylene causes small buds to abort. Use EthylBloc™ products for best protection.
Problem:
Botrytis Sensitivity
Solution:
Flower buds can be infected with Botrytis. Do not over pack buckets with bunches to allow enough breathing room between stems. Also, respect the cold chain and avoid temperature fluctuations. Do not get water on or handle the flowers by their blooms.
Problem:
Prone to Physical/Mechanical Damage
Solution:
Should be harvested when the buds first start to show color or at the "puffy white bud stage" (the most mature bud is about 1 day from opening). Stems are soft and foliage bruises easily. For best results when packing, be sure bunches are securely fastened in the box but do not pull strap too tight.
Problem:
Leaf Yellowing
Solution:
For premature leaf yellowing, use an anti-yellowing treatment at farm level after harvest and use bulb crop or Lily specific flower food.
Problem:
Pollen/Staining
Solution:
Pollen sheds stain whatever they touch. Remove the yellow anthers as soon as the bloom opens to prevent pollen from staining. Also, Lily pollen can be toxic to cats. Therefore, Lilies are not recommended in households with cats.
Need to Know: Easter Lilies Helpful Hints
Properly Mixed Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop
- Helps Lilies stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Longer vase life
- Better color retention
Keep it Fresh!
- Pre-treatments such as FloraLife® Bulb* at farm level help maintain the quality of leaves and buds.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200, FloraLife® Clear 200
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300* Packets or FloraLife Crystal Clear®*
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C
- Preferred shipping method is dry pack, maintaining the cold chain throughout distribution.
- Use FloraLife® Transport Paper sheets for shipping and storage.
Performance
- Average vase life for Easter Lilies is 4 to14 days
- Aperture, or opening speed, is slow, especially when received in the bud stage and stored in the cooler.
- Easter Lilies can be mixed with other flowers without any negative or harmful effects.
- When purchasing, look for healthy green foliage, a straight stem, and plenty of well-formed buds with only one or two flowers open. Look for transparent, dried or dropped flower buds which are signs of ethylene damage.
- When processing or designing be sure to remove any foliage that may be below water level.
- Leaf yellowing can be an issue when designing in foam. Be sure to cut stems at a sharp angle before inserting into foam. Check foam often to be sure flowers stay hydrated. Use a secure foam as blooms are weighted to stem ends.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- You can store Easter Lilies in a cooler up to 1 week, some bud necrosis has been observed with prolonged storage. FIFO (First In First Out) inventory rotation is our best recommendation to ensure flowers are their freshest.
Questions, comments or just need expert advice? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representation for an in-person consultation!
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