Lilies flower Farming In Kenya

Lily flowers are valued for their large, very showy, often fragrant flowers.

Varieties

Asiatic, Oriental lilies, Canna lily, peace lily, day lily among others

These hearty bulbs are easy to grow and require minimal care, provided that you plant them in the right place.

Growing conditions

Well drained soils which are acidic or neutral

Sun light, 6-8 hours exposure

Climate, varied with cool-warm temperatures

Land preparation

Plough the land, remove weeds and obstacles. Harrow the soil into fine tilth. Make raised beds of convenient width that will allow easy carrying out of operations. Add organic manure and spread evenly or fermented organic fertilizer. Water the beds prior to planting.

Planting

Plant lily bulbs deeply depending on the bulb size. The deep planting encourages the developing stem to send out roots to help stabilize the plant and perhaps eliminate the need for staking. Also, deep planting keeps lily bulbs cool when temperatures soar.

Enrich the soil with well-rotted organic matter to encourage good drainage.

Dig a hole 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulbs are high and set the bulb in the hole pointy side up. Fill the hole with soil and press gently.

Space bulbs at a distance equal to three times the bulb’s diameter (usually about 8 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety).

Water thoroughly as the flower require constant moisture

Crop management

During active growth, water freely-especially if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.

Keep lilies mulched so that their roots are cool. The mulch should feel moist, but not wet.

Apply a high-potassium liquid fertilizer every 2 week from early growing period until 6 weeks after flowering.

Keep the filed moist throughout the growing period.

Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch.

Stake tall lily varieties using wires on the bed sides, this allow them to grow upright

Lilies do not bloom more than once per season, but you can remove the faded flowers so that the plants don’t waste energy making seeds.

Leave the foliage until it turns brown at the end of season. It’s important not to cut back foliage until the end of the season because the plant needs to store energy for next year’s flowering. Cut down the dead stalks as a way of changing the crop cycle.

Mulch the lilies to prevent sun scorch of the roots during dry season. This will help to smoother weeds and water conservation.

Pest management

Aphids and white flies, spray using suitable insecticide Taurus

Red lily beetles, slugs, and snails may occur. Spray with suitable molluscide to clear slugs and snails. For the beetle use suitable insecticide.

Deer, rabbits and groundhogs may eat entire plants. If these critters are a problem, plant lilies in enclosed fields- nets can help keep away the pests.

Disease management

Gray mold is sometimes a problem, especially in a wet season, ensure the lilies are properly spaced to allow proper air circulation.

Viruses, spread by aphids, may be troublesome, although some cultivars are virus-tolerant. Control vectors such as aphids to prevent spread of viral infections.

Harvesting and post-harvest handling

When cutting lilies, choose those with buds that are just about to open, with a bit of the flower color showing—leave those that are still tight and green.

As soon as you get lilies inside, trim the stem ends an inch or so, making a diagonal cut with a sharp knife.If you worry that the orange pollen of lilies might cause stains, simply snip off the stamens in the flower’s center.

Before arranging in a vase, remove the lower leaves on the stems so that no foliage will be underwater. To help prolong the flowers’ life, add cut-flower food to the water.