Lilies bring structure and softness in equal measure. But they also come with quirks—like pollen that can stain or blooms that need just the right environment to thrive. Chrysal teamed up with Neumann Flowers in Ecuador to share no-nonsense tips for keeping lilies at their best. From selecting smarter varieties to simple care moves that actually work, here’s how to make the most of your lilies while keeping this versatile flower shining.
Let Your Lilies Shine - Pro Tips by Chrysal and Neumann Flowers You’ll Love
Lilies demand attention—not just for how they look, but for how they’re handled. These flowers can hold their shape, color, and impact for days, but only if the right steps are taken early on. Chrysal, in collaboration with Neumann Flowers, breaks down what actually works when it comes to keeping lilies fresh and clean. From managing hydration to avoiding the pollen mess, these are the best lily care tips and what to know before they hit the vase.
Jump into the first few tips for growers, provided by Chrysal.
For lily growers, ensuring high-quality flowers begins with the right post-harvest treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the type of lily. For lilies in general, Chrysal BVB is the optimal solution. This pre-treatment product prevents premature aging and leaf yellowing and flower quality. It keeps the leaves firm and green and extends the vase life by an average of 50% compared to water.
For Asiatic lily types, Chrysal AVB can be a valuable addition. This post-harvest conditioning product protects against ethylene damage, reduces premature wilting and dropping of buds, leaves, and petals. Now, what about tips for florists? They've got you!
The Secret Life of Lilies - Florist Edition
Of course, you want your customers to enjoy their beautiful lilies for as long as possible. Always use clean tools, as well as clean buckets or vases. During the sales phase, keep lilies in Chrysal Professional 2. This conditioner provides the flowers with just enough nutrients to maintain their beauty and optimal condition without opening too quickly. Chrysal Professional 2 ensures a longer shelf life and allows the flowers to develop their colors gradually while remaining fresh in the store.
In the store, it is important to place lilies in clean water treated with Chrysal Professional 2. This makes sure that the flowers remain hydrated and continue to develop naturally without excessive opening. Proper handling, including removing excess foliage from the stems before placing them in buckets, will further enhance the quality of the flowers. Inform your customers about the benefits of using Chrysal Bulbosus at home to prolong the vase life and allow for full, stunning flowers.
Photo: Chrysal
Marcelo Cevallos of Neumann Flowers Shares More Information About Lily Care
With years of experience and a deep understanding of post-harvest best practices, Marcelo Cevallos, Technical Manager at Neumann Flowers, shares essential care tips, product insights—including the powerful effects of Chrysal solutions—and his personal love for lilies. The first question came to be: what essential care should lilies have from the moment they are harvested until they reach the final consumer?
With his expertise, he shared:
"As with most flowers, post-cut care is essential to ensure a prolonged vase life for the end consumer of lilies. The time between the actual cutting and hydration must be minimized; the shorter the time, the greater the guarantee of quality. Transportation must be carried out with absolute care, prioritizing the quality of the bud (extremely sensitive to impacts or mistreatment), and obviously designing a system that balances costs and benefits."
These are three recommendations he gives to make sure lilies stay fresh and open optimally for a longer period:
- Keep hydration in compliance with the determined times
- Have an efficient cold chain
- Correct packaging (once again prioritizing product quality)
At Neumann, the effective use of Chrysal products has had a significant impact on the quality and longevity of their lilies. According to Marcelo, the vase life of lilies has been extended by up to 50%, which is a remarkable improvement. One of the most notable benefits has been the complete reduction of leaf yellowing by as much as 100%. This is especially important, as yellowing leaves are one of the primary reasons lilies are discarded during their vase life.
Beyond longevity, the products also play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of the flowers. They promote the full opening of buds and ensure that the vivid, characteristic colors of each lily variety are fully expressed. The farm uses Chrysal BVB and SVB, carefully selected based on the specific needs of each variety. Additionally, the solution called 'Intensive' is added to help maintain pathogen-free water and further boost overall flower quality.
Easy Steps to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Lilies
Once lilies reach their destination—be it a florist’s shop or a consumer’s home—proper care is essential to maximize their vase life. Marcelo recommends that stems be immediately placed in clean, quality water, ideally with a floral preservative, often provided in sachets. Before doing so, trimming about 5 cm from the base of each stem helps improve water absorption and rehydration.
Photo: Chrysal
Another key tip involves pollen removal. As the flowers begin to open, gently removing the freshly formed pollen by hand can prevent it from dropping onto the petals and causing unsightly stains. Finally, lilies should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated environment, which helps extend their freshness and beauty even further.
When asked about his favorite type of lily, Marcelo didn’t hesitate: rose lilies take the crown.
He said:
"Rose lilies are, in my opinion, the most beautiful type of lily; the number of petals on this type is precisely similar to a rose, but without losing the lily's original beauty. This type of flower is gaining increasing interest among consumers."
In the end, a few thoughtful steps in care can significantly extend the life of your lilies, allowing them to thrive and impress long after they've arrived.
