What to Do After Lilies Wither
Scientific care after lilies wither directly affects the quality of reblooming the following year. As a perennial bulbous flower, properly handling spent flowers, regulating water and fertilizer, and storing bulbs are key to continuing the life cycle. This article details the key points of dormant period management through 4 core steps, helping you to enjoy flowers year after year.
Key Operations for Pruning and Maintenance
Timing and Method for Pruning Spent Flowers
Immediately prune the spent flowers when the petals start to wilt and droop, leaving a stem of 20-30cm. Use scissors sanitized with alcohol to make a 45-degree diagonal cut, preventing rainwater accumulation that could cause bacterial infections. Retain the leaves for photosynthesis until they naturally turn yellow.
Principles for Retaining Stems
Never prune the green stems close to the root, as retaining some can promote nutrient backflow. After the base of the stem shows lignification, gradually prune it to 5cm above the ground to ensure the bulbs develop fully.
Water and Fertilizer Control Techniques
After flowering, the plant enters the transition from reproductive growth to vegetative growth, switch to a liquid fertilizer with a focus on phosphorus and potassium, diluted 1000 times every 15 days. Keep the soil slightly moist, and water again when the topsoil is dry by 2cm, to avoid bulb rot.
Bulb Dormancy Management
Excavation and Storage of Bulbs
In the north, bulbs need to be dug up before frost, while in the south, they can overwinter in place. Remove the attached soil, soak in carbendazim for disinfection, then dry in the shade and bury in moist vermiculite, storing in a ventilated environment at 5-10°C.
Techniques for Bulb Division Propagation
In spring, check the basal suckers of the bulbs, separate the small bulbs with roots, and plant them individually. Use a mixture of peat and perlite (3:1) as the growing medium, and cover the soil twice the diameter of the bulb to achieve population expansion.
Key Points for Reblooming Cultivation
In March of the following year, place the chilled bulbs in a 15°C environment to wake them up, then plant them after the buds start to sprout. Add bone meal as a base fertilizer, maintain 6 hours of sunlight daily, and regularly rotate the pots to get uniform flower spikes.
Through scientific post-flowering care, lily bulbs can continue to rebloom for 3-5 years. Mastering the three key elements of dormant period water control, low-temperature vernalization, and nutrient accumulation will allow you to enjoy the elegant flower posture of lilies every year.