FAQs

Remove the sleeve and the rubber band or twist ties from around the stems. Remove any foliage from the stems that would be under water in storage containers. Re-cut stem ends with a sharp knife (** NOT A CLIPPERS **), removing at least 1 inch of stem.

Place them into a clean bucket half filled with lukewarm water (100° F-110°F) and flower food mixed according to package directions. After processing, place lilies somewhere cool and dark and allow them to hydrate for at least two hours before using them. Some types and varieties of hybrid lilies can begin opening almost immediately after being placed into flower-food solution, but a location cool and dark will slow that process. Hybrid lilies are sensitive to ethylene gas (Asiatic hybrids are the most sensitive).

Exposure to ethylene causes petal and/or leaf drop, bud drop or withering, and leaf yellowing so keep them away from sources of ethylene such as ripening fruit and vegetables, decaying flowers and foliage, and cigarette.

LILY POLLEN: Lily pollen will stain anything it touches, so remove all anthers immediately after each bloom opens. Contrary to popular myth, removing anthers does not shorten lilies’ vase life.

If pollen gets on fabric, brush it away lightly and gently with a soft brush, piece of tissue or chenille stem. Do not wet the fabric or touch the stain with your hands. If any pollen color remains, place the fabric outside in the sunshine until the stain disappears.

VASE LIFE: Four to 11 days is the typical vase life for a stem of cut lilies, depending on the type of hybrid, variety and care. Individual blooms generally last from two to four days each. Recut the stems and change the water every other day and use flower food mixed according to package directions. Remove blooms as they fade and leaves as they yellow, keep flowers out of direct sunlight and warm drafts, and carefully remove anthers as soon as blooms open.

BOTANICAL NAME: Lilium hybrida (LIL-ee-um HIGH-bri-duh)