When harvesting lilies, especially if you wish for them to return year after year, the most critical aspect is to ensure you leave sufficient plant material on the stem.
Key Consideration for Sustainable Lily Harvesting
Lilies are perennial flowers, meaning they can bloom for many years from the same bulb, provided they have the energy to do so. The regeneration of the bulb for the subsequent year is directly dependent on the foliage and stem left on the plant after flowering.
According to Northlawn Flower Farm, "Now lilies are perennial flowers. And they will come back as long as you leave enough foliage and stem on the plant to regenerate the bulb for next. Year."
Therefore, the primary rule for harvesting lilies is:
- Leave Enough Foliage and Stem: When cutting lily flowers for arrangements or for deadheading, always ensure you leave a significant portion of the stem with its leaves still attached to the plant. These leaves are essential for photosynthesis, which creates the energy needed for the bulb to store nutrients and regenerate for the following growing season. Without enough foliage, the bulb may not have the energy to produce flowers or even survive the dormant period until the next year.
By adhering to this crucial step, you can enjoy beautiful lily blooms for years to come without needing to replant new bulbs annually.
