The Lily Bulb: More than Just a Flower

by | Jun 17, 2013 | Flowers

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Flowers are one of nature’s most beautiful works of art. People have long used flowers and plants for more than just arrangements. They have various benefits like providing food and medicine. They are easy to grow and may bloom an entire spring. This versatile flower is the one to grow. It makes beautiful arrangements and has added health benefits.

What Is a Lily Bulb? What Is It Used for?

Lily bulbs are one of the oldest and most cultivated plants in the world. It is a native of East Asia but is now found throughout the world. For centuries, it has been used in herbal preparations and medicines. It can be grown in the garden as a flowering plant as well. Though they can be grown from seeds, lilies are commonly raised from bulbs. The lily bulbs themselves can be used in herbal remedies. Research has shown lily bulbs contain a variety of substances that promote individual health. These bulbs have been shown to contain the following:

  • Proteins
  • Starches
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus
  • Vitamins B1, B2 and C.

Maintenance

Lily bulbs grow to be tall, upright plants. Many have many of leaves that grow the length of the plant. They come in nearly every color imaginable except blue. Lilies typically bloom in the early spring, depending on the specific species of lily. It can range anywhere from late-spring through the fall. If you’re lucky, you could have lily bulbs that bloom all season. The bulbs themselves are scaly and most commonly planted in the fall. In the spring, you can purchase plants for the blooms. Bulbs purchased in the fall have an advantage. The extra time allows the roots to embed in the soil before the growing season. These bulbs perform better when planted deep and at least 10 inches apart to allow for circulation.

Making a Bouquet

When cutting lily blooms for bouquets, you should make sure it’s done while the buds have not quite opened. Make sure they are still showing their color. As a rule, this will help them last longer. You should never cut more than one-third of the flower stem. This will ensure there is still plenty of foliage left intact to feed the bulb. When you make sure the plant still gets plenty of nutrients, you will ensure you can enjoy the blooms for many years to come.

Choose a variety of lily bulbs from Longfield Gardens for your home gardening needs, visit us online at Longfield-Gardens.com.