August 2024 Breeder News, Culture, Variety Info

Culture Report: Roselilies By Jessica High

Roselily is a captivating variety of Oriental lily renowned for its unique beauty and delicate fragrance. These hybrid lilies are characterized by their abundant petals and absence of pollen.

With their elegant appearance and long-lasting blooms, Roselilies have quickly gained popularity among flower enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Roselilies’ exquisite colors and graceful form add a touch of sophistication to any floral arrangement or garden landscape.

These distinct flowers were first developed through the bulb-breeding efforts of De Looff Lily Innovation. Just a few years after the company’s establishment in the late 1990s, brothers Tonny, Martin and Johan De Looff introduced the double-flowering Oriental lily, named roselily.

Roselilies became available to growers worldwide less than two decades later in 2016. Today, Flamingo Holland supplies wholesale roselily bulbs to growers across the U.S., offering a diverse selection of varieties. Seasoned flower farmers and industry newcomers can follow these guidelines to cultivate beautiful crops for both cut and potted roselily production for seasons to come. 

PLANTING 

Because roselilies are Oriental lilies at their foundation, their growing and care recommendations closely mirror those of Oriental varieties, like well-known ‘Stargazer,’ ‘Starfighter’ and ‘Entertainer’. 

When planting roselily bulbs, spread at least one inch of media in the bottom of each container, either crates or pots, allowing adequate room for root development. Place the bulbs in the container with their sprouts facing upward and cover the bulbs with 3-4 inches of soil on top. Give an initial watering that ensures the soil is fully saturated. 

POTTED PRODUCTION 

For potted production, place three 13/15 size bulbs evenly spaced and at equal depth in each 6- to 7-inch pot. If using larger bulbs and pots, consider adding an additional bulb to each container. 

CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION 

For cut flower production in crates, a standard lily case measuring 9 x 15 x 24 inches can hold the following numbers of even-spaced roselily bulbs, specified by bulb sizes: 

TEMPERATURES 

Roselilies can be grown in a greenhouse and outside under plastic/shade; either condition being especially mindful of temperature. Oriental lilies are sensitive to the cold in comparison to their LA Hybrid sisters, and the roselilies are no different. During the rooting process, which can take up to six weeks once planted, these bulbs can withstand minimum temperatures of 48-52º F.

After this phase, maintain the plants between 58-65º F at night and 68-75º F during the day, being wary to avoid temperatures below 55º F, which may result in lower leaf loss, deformed buds and can increase the plants’ vulnerability to viruses. 

WHEN TO PLANT 

Understandably, it may be easier for greenhouse growers to maintain these ideal temperatures compared to their field-growing comrades. Because of this, farmers growing roselilies outside are advised to plant between March and October — planting times vary across states and Zones. 

LIGHT 

Roselilies thrive in moderate light. Outdoor growers must be mindful of the summer and fall months and ensure that the plants receive 50% shade, ideally, over plastic to endure warmer daytime temperatures.

IRRIGATION 

Stage 1: High irrigation 

Once the bulb is planted and until the sprouts break the surface, the soil should be consistently moist. This is usually during the first 10-14 days. 

Stage 2: Decreased/moderate irrigation 

From the time the plant has sprouted and through to when buds begin to form, the soil should remain damp to support root uptake and flower development. Growers can expect this during the first 50 days or so. 

Stage 3: Moderate irrigation 

When the plant begins to flower, increase irrigation slightly to maintain moist soil that is not overly saturated. 

GROWTH REGULATOR (PGR), POTTED PRODUCTION 

PGR requirements may differ across varieties and growing conditions, but general advice is to complete three applications of Sumagic at 3-5 ppm, particularly when the plant first sprouts out of the soil and when the leaves begin to open. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be advised that excessive PGR may result in yellowing leaves. 

FORCING TIME 

Growth time can range from 90-120 days depending on the variety and growing conditions.

COMMON CHALLENGES AND AFFLICTIONS 

Roselilies can be subject to the following insects and diseases: thrips, aphids, botrytis, pythium, fusarium and Rhizoctonia solani. Crops can experience lower leaf loss and yellowing from overwatering/insufficient soil drainage and excess PGR. Also, low nighttime temperatures can increase stress in the plant, resulting in deformed buds and virus expression. 

HARVEST 

Roselilies are ready for harvest when two to three buds are enlarged and showing color but have not yet opened. Store the cut flowers at 40º F with their stems in water. If preparing them for transport, do so using a box or tray and protect the flowers from direct sunlight. For potted roselilies, water the plants sufficiently before delivery. 

The decision to cultivate roselilies is not just a choice of flower variety but a strategic investment in quality, sustainability and consumer satisfaction. Roselilies offer a unique blend of elegance, fragrance and longevity that captivates both florists and customers alike. By embracing roselilies, flower farmers can diversify their offerings, tap into new markets and elevate their standing within the industry. 

With their exceptional beauty and enduring charm, roselilies represent a blossoming opportunity for flower farmers and a symbol of innovation and excellence in the floral world.