How long does it take for lily buds to bloom
Watching the elegant lily buds on the balcony, many flower enthusiasts are eager to see their full bloom. What kind of transformation process do these immature flower buds go through? In fact, from the coloring of the flower bud to full bloom, it is necessary to master a series of key care points.
Development Time Cycle of Flower Buds
Basic Development Stage
When lilies start to bud, the initial stage with a diameter of about 1cm requires 20-40 days of development. If the flower bud has grown to over 3cm, it usually blooms within 15-20 days. Oriental lily varieties generally have a 5-7 day longer growth period than Asian lilies.
Environmental Influence Factors
The ideal day-night temperature difference should be controlled within 8°C. Continuous high temperatures above 30°C will cause the flower bud to wither prematurely. Maintaining air humidity between 60%-70% can prevent the outer layer of the flower bud from drying out, which is a common problem leading to delayed blooming.
Core Elements to Induce Flower Bud Bloom
Light Intensity Control
Ensure at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. For west-facing balconies, use gauze curtains to filter the intense midday sunlight. When using LED grow lights, it is recommended to set a light intensity of 3000-5000 lux and supplement for 2-3 hours daily.
Precise Temperature Control
Stabilize the ambient temperature within the range of 18±2°C, and slightly lower it to 15°C at night to store nutrients. Using the pot-inside-pot insulation method can buffer sudden temperature changes, with notable results when using a ceramic pot nested inside a plastic pot.
Scientific Water Management
Use the "moist when dry" watering method, watering thoroughly when the top 2cm of potting soil is dry. During the blooming period, add phosphorus-potassium water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to a concentration of 1200 times, and apply once a week.
Secrets to Prolonging the Flowering Period
Move the flowers to a semi-shaded environment when they first bloom, and slightly lower the temperature to 12-15°C. Removing the stamens can prevent pollen from staining the petals, and regularly rotating the pot ensures even exposure to light. By using these methods, the flowering period of lilies can be extended by up to 10 days.