Lilies as Cut Flowers // How to Harvest, Condition, Process, & Store Lilies + Best Lily Varieties!!!

When selecting lilies for cutting, choose flowers in the colored bud stage and allow them to open inside your home. This ensures that the petals won’t be damaged and will allow for easy transportation if necessary. A lily picked in colored bud stage and set in a room temperature location will open in 24 hours or less. As with all cut flowers, warm water and warm temperatures will hasten the opening process. Whereas cold water and cold temperatures will lengthen the opening process.
Lilies should be cut in the early morning or late evening when the plants are most hydrated. Use sharp, clean snips when cutting to avoid crushing or contaminating the stems. If you want the lily to return next year, leave at least 1/3 of the stem behind to replenish the bulb. After cutting, remove any leaves that will fall below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. Then, place the lilies into clean plastic buckets filled with fresh water. Do not use galvanized buckets for harvesting any type of cut flower because the coating on the bucket creates an oily residue in the water that clogs the stems. Allow the lilies to condition in a cool location for a few hours prior to arranging. After conditioning, maximize water uptake by giving the lilies a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle. Then, add floral preservative to the final vase water to further extend their vase life and color retention.
f you plan to sell cut lilies store them in a cooler set to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to cool lilies down gradually to avoid cold damage to the buds. Cold damage occurs when a "hot" lily is immediately put into a cooler resulting in permanent bruising on the buds. Therefore, when harvesting on hot days take care to cool the lilies down gradually before introducing them to the cooler. This can be accomplished by leaving your cooler door open for 15 minutes or letting them condition in a cool room for an hour prior to cooler storage. Cut lily stems can be held in water in a cooler for 7-10 days. Longer storage is not recommended because the leaves will yellow and younger buds may fail to open.
Once the lilies begin to open it’s important to remove the pollen anthers. Lily pollen sheds over time and will stain the flower and nearby fabrics. To remove the pollen, grasp the pollen anthers with a tissue and gently pull them straight out and away from the lily. Take extra care when working with certain OT lilies such as ‘Scheherazade,’ because the force of pulling on the anthers may cause the entire bloom to pop off. To be safe, hold the back of lily flower where the bloom meets the stem with one hand while you pull the pollen off with your dominant hand. This will leave the stigma behind and preserve the look of the lily. Lily pollen is extremely toxic to cats and should be disposed of immediately.
For the longest vase life place your cut lilies in a cool area away from direct sunlight. Change the water in the vase every two to three days and recut the stems at an angle to promote continued water absorption. Additionally, remove any wilted or spent flowers to maintain the arrangements appearance.
Lastly, hybrid lilies are ethylene-sensitive and should be kept away from ripening fruits, vegetables, and other ethylene-producing flowers. Lilies ethylene sensitivity is a bonus for local flower producers because ethylene build-up in shipping boxes decreases their vase life by 5 to 7 days.

[@halleferrier28]

Congratulations on 100k!! You are a delight to watch and I have learned so much!!!🌸

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Thank you!!!

[@ltuerk]

You are a natural teacher. Many thanks on the details of different types of lilies, and how to best cool them for longevity of buds and leaves.

[@deniseb2571]

100K 👏👏👏🎉You deserve it Danielle! You've taught us so much! Love your channel 💚

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Thank you!!!

[@user-jq1tg8mi6p]

How can pronounced

[@sherrywatson5278]

Congratulations Danielle on reaching 100K subscribers!! I’ve been following and watching your numbers climb over the past few years as I continue to learn from your videos. Hope to see you again at the fair! Sherry

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Thank you Sherry!!!

[@NicolesGardenNS]

Oh my goodness congrats on your 100k. I’m not surprised, your channel is a wonderful inspiration. Well done! 🎉🎉

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Thank you Nicole!!!

[@ransfordrowe6409]

The love you have for lillies really comes across in this video.Lillies are stunning bulbs.I have a lily flowering in the garden now.

[@patstone5674]

Thank you Danielle. Your tips for keeping flowers fresh are so helpful. Please keep them coming. Congratulations on the 100k subscribers. That milestone is so well deserved.

[@darlenetrowsse9269]

You really are an excellent teacher, I’ve learned so much from you Danielle, thank you! ❤️

[@mothernaturesapothecary]

Your garden is absolutely stunning.

[@pradnyamarathe2002]

Your invaluable tips came at the right time for me, Danielle. I am in zone 8 and my lilies have a hard time opening in the dry heat of TX. I had a bunch of lily buds that were in the color showing stage that hadn't opened for the longest time. I saw your video, cut the cluster, put them inside the house in water... guess what, they are already opening. I am so happy! Thank you, thank you! I will do this on my Roselily plants next year. They fried this year.

[@MicheleLHarvey]

A wonderful & informative video on lilies as cut flowers! Lots of details & hints to be gleaned here for anyone looking to add lilies to their garden or bouquets! Thanks, Danielle!

[@elanacrane7820]

100K!!! Congratulations on this milestone!!!

[@MsForeverYoung924]

Beautiful healthy lilies and valuable information. Thank you Danielle.

[@hopemorrison2367]

You really make some beautiful bouquets your flower choices

[@jcking6785]

You have revived my interest in lilies! I’ll be looking for some to add to my garden. 💚

[@conniebrenneman3749]

Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge about lilies. It has been very helpful to me! Because of you and your love of lilies I have added many of them to my gardens this year and am now starting to be able to cut them and enjoy them in my house. They are beautiful! I can't wait until next year because I want to add even more of them!! Thanks again!!

[@jeannet9592]

I love lilies too!! Thanks for another super video.

[@taneriapollins9225]

I am new to trying to grow flowers I love these type of videos

[@debraisola9037]

I had a beautiful lily that was a double bloom. It was called "Bella" have never seen another one. Yours are So Beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing this information.

[@juliannaburgess9177]

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL ❤️❤️❤️

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you Nicole. I adore oriental lilies, I love walking outside and catching the fragrance of them in the wind, they smell delicious to me. My husband also comments on it smelling so nice when he catches the fragrance.🌸💚🙃

[@NicolesGardenNS]

Danielle, not Nicole. Funny enough though, I often get called Danielle (my name is Nicole). 😂😂

[@LezleyChapot]

You are such a natural educator-I loved this presentation and can see I have a lot more to learn about lillies! Thank you Danielle.

[@smile-tweetybird1151]

You are sooo sweet and teach us sooo very much...THANK YOU!!!!!💐❤❤❤

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Thank you! Just the information I wanted. I love lillies, and just ordered more bulbs on end of summer sale. I have done this before, as a money saver, and will plant as soon as they arrive. I bought some Casa Blanca and a double! I realize I need enough to have blooms in the garden, as well as for cutting and bringing in.

[@judyandrews1605]

Congrats on 100k!!! You’re always my go to expert! I have 2 questions. 1. Will you please just tell me which lily to try to grow as a beginner in hot and humid zone 8A and where to get it? 2. When you change water and cut stems, do you add preservative each time? Thanks, Danielle!!!

[@user-fd3wl1pr7s]

OMG - your husband going by was so funny - hahahaha

[@renejohnson37]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. The lilies this year are just amazing. Though I don’t sell flowers I always appreciate your information.

[@wbflowersvt]

Another winner!

[@marlenegoho1778]

Congratulations Danielle! Love your channel, you’re a great teacher! 🎉

[@elizabethlehman7375]

I've never lived lilies, but you have me inspired to try them! I love the look of the doubles!!!

[@user-oo8kt1zp2r]

Lol that was funny when your husband came by on his scooter! Thank you so much for this video. I've been kind of overwhelmed with the lily info and which ones to get and how to best harvest.

[@barbarasidel9012]

Thank you Danielle for sharing your expertise.

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

The Lilies are gorgeous! Thank you so much for a great tips

[@maryschlotter108]

Thank you! I have steered away from growing lily’s for my cutting garden but you have made it so clear and simple I am inspired to grow them next year. The double white is stunning.

[@loismaddux4800]

Amazing Lillie’s! I have always been a fan of the Stargazer!!❤

[@wendykirklian8570]

Congratulations Danielle on 100K!! Your knowledge, poise, and beautiful gardens are an inspiration. Thank You! 🥰🌺🌻

[@kuchdilsecreationsbysonali9605]

Ur flowers are stunning,so gorgeous ❤❤❤

[@amywiese4419]

Congratulations, Danielle, on reaching 100k subscribers!🎉🎉

[@JillCullen-kh7lm]

Your passion for Lillie’s makes me want to try some in my garden!

[@sharonrickards3297]

I love the fragrance of lilies! Thanks for the info, you are always so informative!

[@marymurphy4825]

Hi Danielle, Thanks for such an informative video! I never knew the difference between an OT and an LA Lily. Your videos are amazing you've given me such great advice for the garden, and your Lilly's are all spectacular!!! 😍

[@LINativePlantConservation]

Just what i needed, thank you Danielle!!

[@ruthwuebbeling9584]

I love your videos because they are so informative. I am going to try growing lilies next year and with all your helpful instructions on how to grow, cut and maintain the beauty of lilies I hope to have a garden full of them. I hope you have a lovely day and wish you the best.

[@dawnmitzner5222]

Congratulations on reaching 100,000 subscribers Danielle. I’ve been watching and loving your channel for a long time. In fact, I’ve watched every one of your videos. Love them all thank you for all you do to bring us inspiration and knowledge. ❤🎉❤🎉

[@LINativePlantConservation]

i didnt know youre a MASTER GARDENER! So good, thank you for your information sharing and the beauty

[@ewellaewella7409]

Przepiękne kwiaty.

[@kaittromans8075]

This was so informative! Great video! Thank you

[@terriejohnson4884]

Congratulations 🎉. Thank you for the knowledge on lilies. I never wanted to grow lilies because I didn't like the smell. Now that I know, Asiatic lilies have no smell. I will try them in my garden. I loved the look, but not the smell. I learn something from you every time I watch your channel. Thank you

[@BeautifulGardensExplorer]

Thank you for your tips! I love lilies!! and congrats on 100k!! 💛🌸🌺

[@asianangie7209]

They are gorgeous! Congratulations on 100k!!! Love your channel!

[@irisymontalvo]

Very interesting. I started this year with the Stargazer lilies and I’m in love with the smell.

[@user-fb7vy3mm7r]

IT IS SO GOOD!

[@gardensglory1229]

Congratulations 🎉 on reaching 100k! I’ve been watching for a long time and really appreciate you and your garden 🪴!

[@pam6204]

Sooooo informative and beautifully explained. Thank you soooo much!!!! And congratulations on your 100K subscribers!!! You have worked hard and put in much effort. Your love for what you do and are, emits great light.

[@mariensanchez2475]

Thank You so much for teaching 😍

[@browneyes-cj8eg]

AMAZING.....

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

I am going to try a few for next season they are so beautiful snd with your knowledge you have given me direction thanks.

[@brendarushka9966]

Love this overview of lilies. I have always loved them but have cats so reluctant to bring inside. Now I know I can just remove the pollen! In checking these facts on the internet however I read all parts of the lily are toxic to cats. So I will keep them out of the house.

[@vancouvervixen4253]

I know I’m late to this video but THANK YOU for the lily tip! I never buy/ have them because of the danger to cats but this is a game changer!!! 🎉🎉

[@newt52864]

Wonderful tips 😀

[@user-pw7rr2bd6q]

Beautiful ❤

[@VancouverIslandgirl]

Congratulations on 100k not sure why it took this long you are amazing🎉💐🌺

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Great video as always! Also- just realized you're at 100k gardening friends now! 😮👏 great job girlfriend!

[@joycedagostino6074]

Once again a great and informative video. Congratulations on your 100k viewers. You certainly work hard at what you do and I always learn something new and useful.

[@texastx8247]

Thank you!

[@janetzveare7459]

Thank you! This was extremely helpful. I’ve been growing and testing lilies here in Florida. Still have some producing and I’m trying to see how long I can extend the season here with them. Your video was excellent!

[@gabrielagomez502]

I love lilies! Where do you get your lily bulbs from? What are some of the best places you recommend?

[@elizabethwray4944]

Congratulations on your, well deserved, 100K subscribers, 😃 Even with having owned a successful special event fresh floral company, in the past, my favorite flower has always been oriental lilies 💓

[@user-fb7vy3mm7r]

LILYS LILYS LILYS I LOVE LILYS!

[@leiaflash5055]

Whoohooo on reaching 100K Danielle!!! 😃😃😃Your lilies are gorgeous and there doesn't seem to be any bug damage. How do you control the red lily beetles from eating them?

[@thebuddinghomemaker]

Wow! This was incredible information. Do you have any sources you recommend for Lillies and is there a best time to plant them?

[@susannewlove2115]

In my 6a and my Star Gazer just opened today. I love it’s beauty but the scent is too much. I thought I need to refer back to some of your past excellent videos on the types of lilies. This was helpful, but I still like to refer back to your past informative library. Today I also started reading one of the books you highly suggested…Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart. I just read the first chapter which discusses the breeder of the Star Gazer Lily. Thanks for all your help and congratulations on your growing fan club!

[@isabellentxawm6773]

Congrats on 100K subscribers 🎉! I would love for you to make a video on how you put lilies in bouqets. I find it hard to make bouqets with outward facing lilies so any tips and tricks will definitely be appreciated. TIA

[@ningziflower8712]

beautiful flowers you have! does this flower bud will spread next year from two two or three?

[@fionavietje2430]

This was so helpful! Thank you for describing the different varieties. Do you have a problem with scarlet lily beetles and if so, how do you deal with them?

[@katecanfield4135]

Thank you so much for this video, Danielle! I love all your videos and the lovely, straightforward way you present all the knowledge and enthusiasm you share! Also, I have never heard you say anything that could be considered in any way vulgar or crude, which makes me confident in allowing my children to hear your videos or watch them with me; I really appreciate that! I did have a question that may be silly, but when you cut the lilies (as you did with the coravara lily) and there are several smaller, not-yet-colored buds at the top of the stem, do you top the cut to take those off or do you leave them? It seemed that maybe you had trimmed the top when you showed all of your lilies inside in the sink, but I wasn't sure. Thanks again!

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

Hi friend! I will sometimes remove the top bud if it is very small or distracts from the overall look of the final bouquet.

[@pamelacorsi]

I learned a lot today! inspired to grow more lilies! What do you do about Japanese beetles and ear wigs? There are all over the few lilies I have.

[@perisankittysk]

This is so helpful. Stargazers have always been my favourite my whole life . I’m so happy I been taking care of them correctly. Just curious what should I do to take care of the flowers that are starting to die on the stem ?

[@michaelhornyak7506]

Oh my your Lillie's are simply gorgeous how do you keep the deer away? I planted mine this year in 18 in pots. Kept the rabbits away. I'm trying to find info to care for amaryllis seedlings I have over 30 sprouted seeds planted in pots. Keep them in the grow room all winter growing. I know what to do with the big bulbs.

[@cnorovich48]

This was a very informative lesson on lilies! Thanks so much, I enjoyed it very much. Can you please recommend a company to order bulbs from? I’m not seeing too many companies with very much variety to choose from. Thanks for any help you can offer.

[@lisamesillas2328]

💜

[@user-he8tm2ks1p]

❤😊

[@LilChefKimi]

💜💐

[@indhuskitchenandvlogs]

😍😍😍😍😍👌🏻

[@user-rf9hv7mh4k]

Beautiful! Do you have lily beetles? They arrived in my garden in SW Michigan in 2016/2017 and are a constant battle. Would love to know what you have experienced with them and hope they are not in your area.

[@mhubertcfi]

I actually love the small bulbs more than the established. The established bulbs have so many blooms it seems hard to work with. Do you ever remove any or just make giant bouquets with these?

[@vickibloesser1813]

Hi, love your garden. Could you tell me what brand of solar fountain you buy? Thx

[@margieregalado]

Hi I love you lilies!! How do yoi get rid or prevent slug from eating the lilies plants

[@ntang4922]

Great video! Just a question. If I leave the flower on the plant, does removing anthers still make the flower last longer? Or it only works for cut flowers?

[@debbieparker5258]

Hi Danielle, is it possible to grow/root lilies from a bouquet??

[@marygee3981]

☀️Beautiful. Are you in zone 6+? Our lilies are smaller in 5b.

[@despi9646]

You wrote that hybrid lilies are ethylene sensitive, does this mean I shouldn’t plant lilies near my fruit trees? I just planted some at the base of my apple tree this Spring season.

[@katarajvcharternet2]

Any way to prevent the lily’s from wilting after they bloom in the vase. I noticed I cut the buds with color and the next day they open but then the following day the beautiful full flower is now wilted Ed and closed down on itself

[@mygardeninbloom]

I cut my anthers off my lilies. Is that a bad way to do it! Should I be pulling them off with a napkin like you demonstrated? Thank you in advance, Laurie

[@rbrown2746]

I have alot of trouble with lily beetles , how do you combat them?

[@THoang13]

Do you leave the lily plant after cutting the lilies off? Can lilies be planted in the ground after it flowers in containers?

[@user-fb7vy3mm7r]

I LOVE LILYS IT IS MY NAME!

[@marygee3981]

😊I see in the info.. 6b. Do you have retail?would live to make a day trip from triple cities.

[@pinksandvibes3049]

I bought some cut lilly flowers and I don’t know if i can plant them again without them dying???

[@annettefoley5080]

Danielle I have been listening to you talk ..are you having a hard time breathing?Love your videos please be well