Lily Propagation Techniques
Lilies, with their elegant flower posture, have become favorites in gardens. Mastering scientific propagation techniques is the key to cultivating high-quality plants. This article systematically analyzes four mainstream propagation methods and reveals the best operational periods, helping you easily achieve the expansion of the lily population.
Analysis of the Four Major Lily Propagation Techniques
Offset Division Propagation Method
Each year, the base of the mother plant naturally produces 3-5 offsets. When the diameter of the offsets reaches 2cm, they should be cut away from the bulb disc with a sterilized tool. It is recommended to use a mixture of peat soil and perlite in a ratio of 3:1 as the substrate, and plant at a depth twice the height of the offsets. After watering thoroughly to settle the roots, place them in a semi-shaded environment for care.
Scales Cutting Propagation Method
Select healthy bulbs with a diameter of ≥5cm and peel off the intact scales layer by layer from the outermost layer. Soak them in a 50% carbendazim solution diluted 800 times for 30 minutes, then insert them obliquely into sterilized vermiculite. Maintain the substrate moisture at 60%-70% and control the temperature between 18-25°C. It takes about 6-8 weeks for mini bulbs to form at the base.
Seed Sowing Propagation Method
Suitable for fertile varieties such as oriental lilies, harvest full, brown seeds. Before sowing, perform a 30-day stratification treatment at 4°C. Using seed trays for sowing can improve the germination rate. The thickness of the soil covering should be twice the diameter of the seeds, and a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C is required during the germination period.
Bulbil Cultivation Propagation Method
Some varieties like卷丹百合 (Lilium lancifolium) form bulbils in the axils of the leaves. Harvest them when they reach a diameter of 1cm and the epidermis has become corky. After 15 days of sand storage, sow them at a spacing of 3×3cm, and cover with 1cm of fine river sand. After emergence, apply a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution every month to promote bulb enlargement.
Key Points for Operation During the Golden Propagation Period
The most suitable time for propagation is from September to October when the day-night temperature difference is 10-15°C, and the ground temperature is stable at 18-22°C, which is conducive to root development. It is recommended to perform division propagation in the morning on sunny days, and the wounds need to be coated with wood ash to prevent decay. After sowing, set up a small arch shed to maintain an air humidity of about 70%, and gradually increase the light intensity after the new buds have unfolded their leaves.
By scientifically selecting propagation methods and grasping key time nodes, it is possible to increase the survival rate of lily propagation to over 85%. Different propagation methods have their own characteristics: the offset method has a quick effect, the scale method has a high proliferation rate, the seed method is suitable for variety improvement, and the bulbil method has both ornamental and production value. It is recommended to choose the best propagation plan according to the cultivation objectives.