🌸 Introduction: Why Lilium (Lily) is a Premium Cut Flower Crop
Lilium, popularly known as Lily, is a bulbous flowering plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. Known for its large, trumpet-shaped and fragrant blooms, Lilium is one of the most commercially important cut flowers worldwide. The demand for lilies is continuously rising due to their use in weddings, religious ceremonies, hotel décor, and high-end bouquet designs.
This complete guide explores how you can start and profit from Lilium flower farming — covering organic and modern practices, bulb selection, market trends, and post-harvest tips.
🌿 Botanical and Crop Overview
FeatureDetailsCommon NameLily / LiliumBotanical NameLilium spp.Plant FamilyLiliaceaeOriginNorthern Hemisphere (Asia, Europe, NA)TypePerennial bulbous flowering plantCrop Duration90–120 daysLifespanPerennial (can flower yearly)
✅ Why Choose Lilium for Flower Farming?
💐 High-value cut flower in floriculture export
🌍 Widely used in hotels, events, spiritual spaces
🌿 Can be grown in open or greenhouse conditions
💸 Yields better profit margins per bulb than many other flowers
🌱 Organic lily farming is gaining traction globally
☀️ Ideal Climate and Soil Conditions
Climate:
Optimum temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Requires cool and dry environment
Avoids extremes (below 10°C or above 30°C)
Needs 50–70% humidity
Soil:
Well-drained, sandy-loam soil is ideal
Rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0–6.5
Raised beds are ideal to avoid waterlogging
🌷 Popular Varieties of Lilium
Asiatic Hybrids – Bright colors, no fragrance, early blooming
Oriental Hybrids – Large fragrant flowers, high value
Longiflorum – Trumpet-shaped blooms, Easter lilies
LA Hybrids – Cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum; disease resistant
OT Hybrids – Cross of Oriental and Trumpet lilies, tall and showy
🧱 Land Preparation & Bed Formation
Deep ploughing up to 30 cm
Add well-rotted compost or FYM: 15–20 tons/acre
Raised beds 1 m wide, 20–25 cm height
Apply biofertilizers like Trichoderma and PSB to improve soil health
🌱 Bulb Selection and Planting
Bulb Selection:
Use disease-free, large-sized bulbs (minimum 10–14 cm circumference)
Select variety based on climate and market
Bulb Treatment:
Treat bulbs with fungicide (e.g., Carbendazim 0.2%)
Shade-dry for 30 minutes
Planting:
ParameterDetailsDepth10–12 cmSpacing15–20 cm between bulbsTimeOctober–February (India)IrrigationImmediately after planting
💧 Irrigation Schedule
Use drip irrigation for better water efficiency
Frequency: Every 3–5 days depending on climate
Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal infections
🌿 Organic Lily Farming Practices
Fertilization:
Vermicompost – 2 tons/acre
Bone meal – Rich in phosphorus
Neem cake – Natural pest deterrent
Foliar spray of Jeevamrut every 15 days
Organic Pest & Disease Control:
Pest/DiseaseOrganic RemedyAphids, ThripsNeem oil + garlic sprayFusarium RotTrichoderma + proper drainageBotrytis BlightButtermilk + turmeric spray
🌼 Crop Care and Management
Staking: Use bamboo or plastic sticks to support tall varieties
Mulching: Controls weeds, retains soil moisture
Pinching & Pruning: Remove dried leaves and buds
De-budding: For bouquet use, retain only central flower bud
🌸 Flowering, Harvesting & Yield
Flowering starts in 90–100 days post planting
Harvest when 1–2 lower buds show color
Cut with sharp knives, leave 1–2 leaves for photosynthesis
Ideal stem length: 60–100 cm
Yield:
50,000 to 75,000 flower stems per acre
Depends on bulb size, spacing, and variety
📦 Post-Harvest Handling
Sort by stem length and number of buds
Pack in bunches of 10 or 20 with plastic sleeves
Place in water buckets with floral preservative
Store at 2°C to 5°C for maximum freshness
Transport in upright boxes to avoid bending
🧴 Product Uses of Lilium
Cut Flowers – Florists, events, décor
Religious Offerings – Temples and spiritual ceremonies
Home & Hotel Decor – Long-lasting beauty
Perfume & Fragrance – Oriental varieties used
Dried Flowers – Crafts and art products
🌍 Market Opportunities
Domestic: Flower shops, weddings, spiritual centers
Export: UAE, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore
Online flower retailers & gifting platforms
Retail chains and lifestyle stores
Value Added Products:
Branded lily bouquets
Organic lily oil and aroma therapy
DIY floral kits (export & online)
💰 Cost, Income & Profit Analysis
Expense ComponentApprox. Value (Per Acre)Bulbs & Inputs₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000Infrastructure (drip, shade)₹50,000–₹75,000Labor & Maintenance₹30,000Total Cost₹2,00,000–₹2,50,000Yield (Stems/Acre)50,000–75,000Average Price/Stem₹5–₹10Gross Return₹3,00,000–₹7,00,000Net Profit₹1,00,000–₹4,50,000
🏡 Lilium for Home Gardeners
Choose Asiatic or LA Hybrids for easy growth
Plant in 12–15 inch pots with drainage holes
Mix: Garden soil + compost + cocopeat (1:1:1)
Keep in semi-shade areas
Feed monthly with liquid organic fertilizer
📌 Tips for Success
Rotate bulbs yearly for better flowering
Maintain bulb dormancy with cool storage
Use plastic mulching for weed control
Promote on social media for direct sales
Partner with florists or local mandis
🔚 Conclusion
Lilium flower farming is a high-return, high-demand venture ideal for floriculture entrepreneurs. With premium pricing, aesthetic appeal, and a growing organic niche, lilies offer excellent opportunities for small and large farmers. From bulb to bloom to bouquet, the Lilium is a flower of elegance — and profit.
✍️Real Neel
Founder-Farming Writers
Read A carnation Flower farming Guide👇
https://worldcrop.wordpress.com/2025/07/28/carnation-flower-farming-guide/