The Easter Lily is native to Japan, and before 1941 all of our bulbs came from
there. The Second World War changed everything.
Today, ten farms on the California-Oregon border
produce 95% of the Easter Lily bulbs sold in the
United States. Once produced, these bulbs are shipped
to commercial greenhouses around the country, where
they are planted and force bloomed for Easter. The
Easter Lily ranks right below poinsettias, azaleas,
and mums as the largest selling potted flower in
the United States.
This lily, primarily the Nellie White variety,
is used at Easter for several reasons: Its trumpet
shaped white flower has always represented “purity,
virtue, innocence, hope, and life.” Lilies
were said to have grown where Jesus’ sweat
fell to the ground during his final moments on earth.
Churches are filled with lilies at Easter to commemorate
his resurrection and everlasting life.
It’s important that you remember a few things
when purchasing an Easter Lily. Look for a medium
sized compact plant with dense green leaves all
the way down to the soil line. The flowers should
be in varying stages of bud and bloom (a few open
flowers, a few plump buds, a few tight buds). The
plants should not still be in their shipping wrap;
this causes damage that will only show up later.
Avoid lilies with soggy soil that might lead to
root rot.
At home care is fairly simple:
Temperature: Lilies like it cool, 65-75 during the
day and 55-65 at night.
Light: Bright indirect light, no direct sun
Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch;
avoid over-watering and do not allow the plant to
sit in water.
Avoid putting the lily near drafts, fireplaces,
and heating vents
As the flowers mature, cut off the yellow antlers
in the center. This will allow the plant to bloom
longer and prevent the pollen from staining the
beautiful white flowers.
Easter lilies can easily be planted outside. After
all of the flowers have died (and you have cut them
off), place the green plant in a sunny location
and water as usual. Fertilize the plant about every
six weeks. Plant the lily outside in well-drained
rich organic soil once the danger of frost has passed.
The lilies should be planted 3” below ground
and about 12”-18” apart. When the original
plant dies back, new growth will spring up from
the ground. Your lily may not bloom the first year
after you plant it, but be patient until the following
late spring or summer and you’ll be rewarded
with some beautiful blooms. Be sure to cover the
plants with mulch during the winter months to protect
the bulbs from the cold.
With proper care, your Easter Lilies will bloom
for years!
If you’d like to learn more about Easter
Lilies go to: www.plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/lily
