The production of Easter lily bulbs in the United States

U;,5) DEPARTMENT OF “AGRICULTURE.
BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY—BULLETIN NO. 120.

B. T. GALLOWAY, Chief of Bureau.

THE PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS
IN THE UNITED STATES.

BY

GEORGE W. OLIVER,

PLant PropaGatTor, BuREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY.

IssuED JANUARY 10, 1908.

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1908.

mittee ook as pe eae

ag)

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Upon OR PaAkt MENT OP AGRICULTURE.
| BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY—BULLETIN NO. 120.

B. T. GALLOWAY, Chief of Bureau.

THE PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS
IN THE UNITED STATES.

BY

GEORGE W. OLIVER,

Piant PRopaGatTor, BuREAU oF PLANT INDUSTRY.

IssuED JANUARY 10, 1908.

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1908.

Ce

BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY.

Pathologist and Physiologist, and Chief of Bureau, Beverly T. Galloway.

Pathologist and Physiologist, and Assistant Chief of Bureau, Albert &. Woods.

Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Erwin F. Smith, Pathologist in Charge.

Investigations of Diseases of Fruits, Merton B. Waite, Pathologist in Charge.

Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Haven Metcalf, Pathologist in Charge.

Plant Life History Investigations, Walter T. Swingle, Physiologist in Charge.

Cotton and Tobacco Breeding Investigations, Archibald D. Shamel, Physiologist in Charge.

Corn Investigations, Charles P. Hartley, Physiologist in Charge.

Alkali and Drought Resistant Plant Breeding Investigations, Thomas H. Kearney, Phys-
iologist in Charge.

Soil Bacteriology and Water Purification Investigations, Karl F. Kellerman, Physiologist
in Charge.

Bionomic Investigations of Tropical and Subtropical Plants, Orator F. Cook, Bionomist in
Charge.

Drug and Poisonous Plant Investigations and Tea Culture Investigations, Rodney H. True,
Physiologist in Charge.

Physical Laboratory, Lyman J. Briggs, Physicist in Charge.

Crop Technology Investigations, Nathan A. Cobb, Expert in Charge.

Taxonomic Investigations, Frederick V. Coville, Botanist in Charge.

Farm Management Investigations, William J. Spillman, Agriculturist in Charge.

Grain Investigations, Mark A. Carleton, Cerealist in Charge.

Arlington Experimental Farm, Lee C. Corbett, Horticulturist in Charge.

Sugar Beet Investigations, Charles O. Townsend, Pathologist in Charge.

Western Agricultural Extension Investigations, Carl 8. Scofield, Agriculturist in Charge.

Dry Land Agriculture Investigations, E. Channing Chilcott, Agriculturist in Charge.

Pomological Collections, Gustavus B. Brackett, Pomologist in Charge.

Field Investigations in Pomology, William A. Taylor and G. Harold Powell, Pomologists in
Charge.

Experimental Gardens and Grounds, Edward M. Byrnes, Superintendent.

Vegetable Testing Gardens, William W. Tracy, sr., Superintendent.

Seed and Plant Introduction, David Fairchild, Agricultural Explorer in Charge.

Forage Crop Investigations, Charles V. Piper, Agrostologist in Charge. <’ : ¢

Seed Laboratory, Edgar Brown, Botanist in Charge. ei ‘

Grain Standardization, John D. Shanahan, Expert in Charge.

Subtropical Laboratory and Garden, Miami, Fla., Ernst A. Bessey, Pathologist in Charge.

Plant Introduction Garden, Chico, Cal., August Mayer, Expert in Charge.

South Texas Garden, Brownsville, Tex., Hdward C. Green, Pomologist in Charge.

Cotton Culture Farms, Seaman A. Knapp, Lake Charles, La., Special Agent in Charge.

e
t

Editor, J. E. Rockwell.
Chief Clerk, James EB. Jones.

VAN 71.1908
D, ot D.

hl gg it NE CUS ag ty seni om ny

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

U. S. DeparTMENT oF AGRICULTURE,
Bureau or Piant Inpustry,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF,
Washington, D. C., October 3, 1907.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript entitled
“The Production of Easter Lily Bulbs in the United States,” by
Mr. George W. Oliver, Plant Propagator of this Bureau, and recom-
mend that it be published as Bulletin No. 120 of the series of the
Bureau of Plant Industry.

The Easter lily is of great importance to florists, its bulbs being
largely imported from Bermuda and Japan. The imported bulbs,
however, are not satisfactory, and if the industry of forcing these
plants so that they will be in flower at Easter is to be continued it
will be necessary to produce the bulbs in this country. The problem
of producing these bulbs in the United States has been studied for
some years by members of the staff of this Bureau, and the accom-
panying paper summarizes the information on the subject to date.
Mr. Oliver has shown that healthy bulbs can be readily and profitably
produced in this country and that disease-resistant strains can easily
be maintained.

Respectfully, B. T. GALtoway,
Chief of Bureau.

Hon. James WItson,

Secretary of Agriculture.
120

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Previous efforts to establish the growing of Easter lily bulbs in the

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The most suitable localities for lily bulb growing______________________-_
PRE sHeStavaGretles tOnerO Wea 2 ee ee es
Advantages of seedlings over plants produced by vegetative propagation_
sihesselectionkotesecedsDeanerss 2 esa Se a ee ee a
The selection of seedling types for propagation________________________
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Temperature and precipitation in the Bermudas_______________________
Temperature records of the lily-growing localities of the United States__
WESEEUGULONR OM Aes ee. ee ete ee Pe a ee mate oe Sa a ae
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120
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DEA US ATL OnNsSe

PLATES.

PuatTe I. Field of hybrid seedling Easter lilies coming into flower twelve
months artter planting ates am tas res eC ee ee ee

II. The same field shown in Plate I in bloom, after three-fourths
of the flowers had been) cuts: . 4-2 bee oes oe eee

III. Raising Easter lilies at Santa Ana, Cal. Fig. 1.—Cloth house
used in raising seedlings previous to planting in the field.

Fig. 2.—Interior of cloth house shown in figure 1, containing
100;000" seedlings neady for the field=2==2 y=

IV. Hybrid Haster lilies. Fig. 1—Two-year-old hybrid Easter lily
plant with 35 flowers, grown at Ventura, Cal. Fig. 2.—Cap-

sules and seeds of Lilium longiflorum harristi X L. longiflo-

TAIN: | =e Sc ee SE

TEXT FIGURES.

Fic. 1. Sketches showing various stages of development in the ger-
MUINALLOMROL ECU LOTUGUTLO TUT as
2. Two-year-old bulbs from seed of Lilium longiflorum giganteum
Ch. Ee harris. crown at Santa Ana, Cal] =a eee
. Bulb of Lilium longiflorum giganteum xX L. l. harrisii, three
years from seed, weighing 434 grams and measuring 143
inches in circumference when harvested, grown at Santa
Ana. Gala sehe si ).S 3) Se eee
120
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11

B. P. I.—120.

THE PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS
IN TEE UNITED STATES.

DISEASE IN IMPORTED BULBS.

At the present time Bermuda is the main source of supply of
Easter lily bulbs for the United States. The mild winter climate
of the island is very favorable to the growth of these lilies in the
open air, but the area of arable land is limited and many of the
farms are so small that alteration of crops is not practiced with lilies,
onions, and potatoes, which are the staple crops.

As a result of these conditions and the fact that careful selection
is not practiced the vigor of the lily bulbs produced is lessened and
weak plants are produced from them. As a consequence the plants
grown from Bermuda bulbs in greenhouses in the United States are
in a very unsatisfactory condition. In many cases from 50 to 75
per cent of the plants are diseased to such an extent as to be prac-
tically unsalable; in fact, they are so seriously affected that many
florists would willingly give up their cultivation altogether were
it not that their patrons demand the lily in its season. The problem
how and where to produce the bulbs within our own borders there-
fore confronts those who would continue in this industry. That this
problem will be solved soon there is little doubt. It is not likely that
American growers will be able to harvest the bulbs and place them on
the market as early as the Bermuda crop, but judging from present
appearances their efforts will result in supplying bulbs practically
free from disease.

It is said that about 3,000,000 bulbs are annually imported from
Bermuda and that about 20,000 salable bulbs, ranging in size from
three to five inches in circumference, can be grown on an acre of
ground from mother bulbs planted the preceding year. The second
year’s crop of bulbs of that size, whether from seedlings or from
bulbs, should therefore bring from $1,000 to $2,000 an acre.

PREVIOUS EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH THE GROWING OF EASTER
LILY BULBS IN THE UNITED STATES.

During the past decade many attempts have been made by seed
firms and others, including the Division of Botany of the Department

of Agriculture, to grow the Easter lily commercially in the Carolinas,
120

7
(

8 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

Florida, and other States. These efforts were useful in pointing out
places where it was evidently impossible to produce bulbs cultivated
after the manner now pursued in the Bermudas and Japan.

Both large and small imported bulbs were planted at various
places and received the best of care, but in every case the crop when
harvested did not warrant a continuation of the experiments. All
of these failures resulted partly from unsuitable soils, but principally
from unfavorable climatic conditions. It is reasonable to suppose
that the lily disease so prevalent in imported bulbs played its part
in making the experimental work a failure.

TRIALS OF IMPORTED BULBS IN CALIFORNIA.

The experimental work now being conducted on the Pacific coast
promises successful results, but even in that region, favored as it is
with nearly ideal conditions in the matter of soil and climate, good
results can not be expected by following the old methods of asexual
propagation practiced in the Bermudas. This has been shown re-
peatedly in connection with several large lots of selected imported
bulbs planted out in widely different localities for seeding purposes.
These plants show the usual amount of disease on the foliage, while
the apparently healthy plants propagated by division and by scales
also show the disease to such an extent that it seems a difficult matter
to get rid of the trouble by purely vegetative methods of reproduction
from selected bulbs.

ORIGIN OF THE EFFORT TO GROW SEEDLINGS.

A few years ago Dr. Albert F. Woods, of the Bureau of Plant
Industry, in his investigations of the lily disease discovered that
seedling plants were practically free from the disease. About the
same time Mr. E. M. Byrnes, then connected with the Office of
Public Buildings and Grounds, but now with the Bureau of Plant
Industry, found that the progeny of crossed varieties were more
vigorous than either parent.

At the instigation of Dr. B. T. Galloway the writer grew a large
number of seedlings in the Department greenhouses, and from these
several pounds of seed resulted. This was distributed on the Pacific
coast and in Florida. The seedlings grown in California showed
conclusively that with liberal treatment first-class bulbs can be grown
by this method much more quickly than by asexual propagation.
The plants are almost free from disease. A few plants show it here
and there in first generation seedlings, but in the second and third
generations it is difficult to find an affected plant. These results
have been so encouraging to practical men on the coast that several
are now engaged in getting up a stock of seedlings upon a large scale.

120

MOST SUITABLE LOCALITIES FOR BULB GROWING. 9

THE MOST SUITABLE LOCALITIES FOR LILY BULB GROWING.

Although enough has not been done in an experimental way to
ascertain all of the localities where lilies can be grown successfully,

Fic. 1.—Sketches showing the various stages of development in the germination of

Lilium longiflorum. 1. Sprouting of the seed. 2. An older stage, where the cotyledon
shows the bending, while the apex remains closed in the seed absorbing the endosperm.
3. A still older stage. 4. The cotyledon has now unfolded itself, raising the attached
seed high above the level of the ground. 5. The first leaf is developed while the
cotyledon is as above. 6. The seed has dropped and three leaves are now developed;
also two secondary roots. The roots shew wrinklings above, indicating their con-
tractile power in drawing the bulblet deeper and deeper into the soil.

it may be stated that the lily seedlings have shown great vigor where
- the winter temperature does not fall below 24° F. Below that point
14886—Bull, 120—07

2

10 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

the plants get a check to their growth and the foliage puts on an
undesirable yellowish tinge, which remains during the winter.

In Florida, seed sent to persons who undertook experimental work
has not given good results. The northern and central parts of the
State occasionally get much too cold to insure strong winter growth.
In the southern part where seed has been sent the reports of those
who were experimenting are not very favorable. However, most of
those who grew the seedlings were absent during the summer, in
which season the growing plants need very close attention. It 1s pos-
sible, therefore, that the failures may be charged to want of atten-
tion at critical periods.

At Miami, Fla., the temperature is neither too hot in summer nor
too cold in winter for growing bulbs. During the period from Sep-
tember, 1895, to December, 1903, the temperature fell below the freez-
ing point on only two oceasions, the lowest being 29° F. Under such
circumstances the bulbs will do well provided they receive the neces-
sary attention.

At Key West, Fla., the conditions are ideal, closely approaching
those at Bermuda, the extreme range of temperature in thirty-three
years being from 41° to 100° F. and the extreme range of precipita-
tion 21.1 to 58.4 inches. On the large keys near the southeastern
coast of Florida the seedlings do remarkably well, but the climatic
and other conditions during the growing season are such as to prac-
tically prohibit good cultivators from locating there.

In the northwestern part of the State of Washington the seedlings
do not stand the winter without protection. However, bulbs planted
deeply in the fall make fine roots and develop well the following
year, making excellent bulbs late in the season, but much too late for
early forcing.

In many parts of California, especially in the hot interior valleys,
where good soil and plenty of water are available and the winter tem-
perature is not too low, the seedlings thrive well. At Loomis, a few
miles northeast of Sacramento, the soil and climate are well adapted
to their needs. Some areas in that vicinity are nearly frostless, and
the lilies come into flower as early as anywhere in the State, with
the possible exception of the foothills near Los Angeles. So far, none
of the seedlings have been grown at Loomis, but judging from the:
growth made by mature bulbs sent for seeding purposes and compar-
ing it with that made in other sections the advantage hes with the
Loomis locality. Very little disease was apparent in the foliage, and
the flowers were open several days in advance of those from bulbs
planted at the same period in the valleys of the southern part of the.
State.

120

MOST SUITABLE LOCALITIES FOR BULB GROWING. 1

At several places south of San Francisco selected for experimental
work, it was impossible to secure the carrying on of the work necessary
for the raising of bulbs from seed. The seed would germinate well
(fig. 1), but when it came to planting out the seedlings in spring
the farmers and florists could not be brought to believe that it was
possible in twelve months’ time to raise a flowering plant from a seed-
ling not more than 2 inches high. (See fig. 1, 6.) One firm had
70,000 seedlings in fine condition two years ago, but not one was put
out in the field. Fortunately, however, a few capable men were found
who carried out the instructions of the Department, but even then
another difficulty was encountered, for when the lilies came in flower

Fic. 2.—Two-year-old bulbs from seed of Lilium longiflorum giganteum 2 X JL. 1.
harrisii 3, grown at Santa Ana, Cal.

twelve months after planting the seedlings the price offered by retail
florists for the blooms was a temptation which few could resist. One
florist cleared $250 in the spring of 1907 for flowers from seedlings on
a space 25 by 45 feet, and this was only for the flowers he did not want
for seed. The removal of flowers and stems, of course, results in bulbs
of an inferior grade.

Those florists who have grown the seedlings for the bulbs alone are
more than pleased with the results. This has been done in the vicinity
of Santa Ana, where the soil and climatic conditions are evidently
very favorable. Many of the bulbs harvested were of the 7 to 9 inch
grade. Figure 2 shows two 2-year-old bulbs measuring nearly 11
inches in circumference, while figure 3 illustrates a bulb which in

120

12 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

three years from seed measured 14$ inches in circumference when
harvested, grown at Santa Ana, Cal., by Mr. Edgar A. Metcalf. The
bulbs secured from these sources force well, and being almost free
from disease the loss on this account is small.

At Ventura, Cal., the conditions are extremely favorable for the
production of strong, healthy growth, but the bulb mite put an end to
the experiment in that section the second year. It should be men-

Fie. 3.—Bulb of Liliwm longiflorum giganteum Q@ X< L. 1. harrisii 3, three years from seed,
weighing 434 grams and measuring 1423 inches in circumference when harvested, grown
at Santa Ana, Cal. (Two-thirds natural size.)

tioned, however, that the soil in which the bulbs were planted had been
used for calla lihes for several years.

At Longbeach, Cal., the growth made by the seedlings before plant-
ing out was very favorable, and probably a little distance from the
shore in good soils the lihes would thrive well. At Yuma, Ariz., the
growth made from mature bulbs planted for seeding promises well,
and it is probable that the bulbs can be grown there to mature quite as
early as those from the Bermudas.

In the extreme southern part of Texas the possibility of producing
good bulbs would seem very encouraging, but the facilities for testing

120

ay Sa i epee Ee Here.

THE BEST VARIETIES TO GROW. 16

have been anything but satisfactory. The farmers are men who grow
crops on a large scale as a rule and a few hundred lilies are apt to
receive but scant attention at critical periods, especially when staple
crops are being attended to.

At Brownsville, Tex., one can see in the old Spanish gardens very
healthy longiflorums in bloom during the first half of April. The
erowth is very strong and absolutely free from even a trace of disease.
On January 15, 1907, some bulbs of the harristi variety planted near
Brownsville had made a strong growth, averaging 7 inches in height.
These bloomed about the end of March and seeded fairly well.

Unfortunately, the temperature in the southeastern part of Texas is
not very favorable, judging from the records supplied by the Weather
Bureau. Some years the crop will turn out satisfactorily, but there
always exists a danger of low temperatures, on account of which it
would be unsafe to attempt cultivation on a large scale.

THE BEST VARIETIES TO GROW.

During the past three seasons in California the best success has
been with seedlings which were obtained by crossing the red-stemmed
Lilium longiflorum giganteum with Lilium longiflorum harrisic.
(See Pl. I, and Pl. IV, fig. 1.) The progeny is remarkably strong
and in some localities totally free from disease. In the open fields
they come into flower about a week later than the true harrisi.
These seedling lilies of the parentage mentioned are composed of
four distinct types: Long-leafed and short-leafed green-stemmed
plants, and long-leafed and short-leafed red-stemmed plants. All
show a remarkable freedom of bloom. Mr. Fred. Rafferty, of Santa
Ana, Cal., bloomed a large number of them in the spring of 1907.
Although the seedlings were only about 3 inches high when planted
out in June, 1906, some of them had 28 flowers to a single stem in
June, 1907. This lot of seedlings is shown in Plates I and II. Two
years ago at Ventura, Mr. 8S. Cole had some 2-year-old seedlings of
the same cross, one of which had thirty-five flowers to a stalk. This
plant is shown in Plate IV, figure 1.

On the farm of the Santa Ana Easter Lily Company during May,
1907, hundreds of plants had twenty or more flowers to a stem.

The only well-known variety which has been tried by the Depart-
ment in California and Arizona is the harrisii variety from bulbs
imported from Bermuda in 1906. These bulbs were planted in
order to produce seed after being artificially pollinated. All of the
stock grown turned out to be more or less diseased and most of the
plants, although grown from good-sized bulbs, produced very poor
flowers and a very low yield of seeds. A small lot of this variety
grown from seed has turned out fairly well, but by this method of
increase there are several distinct types, showing that it can not be

120

14 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

depended upon to produce plants true to the original type. It would
seem, however, that many reliable growers in the East think there
does not exist the same necessity for the harrisd variety as an early
forcer as there was a few years ago when cold-storage bulbs were com-
paratively unknown for early forcing. If this is true, then there is
but little need for haste in getting the harrisii variety into the Ameri-
can market, when in reality the bulbs should still be ripening in the
fields. If the greenhouse men could use only the cold-storage supply
for the production of flowers during the early part of the year, the
fresh bulbs would then get an opportunity to ripen thoroughly before
being taken from the ground. It would seem advisable to grow types
from seed alone and propagate these for one or two seasons asexu-
ally, but only from bulbs and not by the scale method, using seeds
instead of scales to increase the supply of bulbs. But when we have
types which come absolutely true from seed there will be little like-
hhood of a necessity arising for saving even the smaller bulbs for
replanting.

ADVANTAGES OF SEEDLINGS OVER PLANTS PRODUCED BY

VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION.

The seedling method of propagation not only has its advantages in
so far as the elimination of disease is concerned, but it is also a much
quicker method than propagation from scales or even from small
bulbs. The seedlings one year after planting very often show as
many as twenty flowers to the stalk. During the past season (1907),
as already stated, Mr. Fred. Rafferty, of Santa Ana, Cal., had seed-
lings with twenty-eight flowers. Such plants can be depended on to
give bulbs of salable size the first year. Comparatively few of the
9 to 11 inch size are produced. The usual sizes are from 5 to 7 inches,
but a considerable percentage of the 7 to 9 inch size is found in lots
which have received good attention. The crop is ready for harvesting
by the beginning of August. The smaller bulbs when replanted soon
after being harvested grow much better than imported material.

THE SELECTION OF SEED BEARERS.

The seedlings now growing in California are principally crosses
between the harristi variety and the dark-stemmed variety of longi-
florum known as giganteum, others are straight harrisii seedlings.
The crosses are exceedingly vigorous and the harrisii plants are also
more vigorous than the parents, but less vigorous than the crosses.
The plants selected for bearing seed were apparently free from the
disease, which manifests itself in spotted leaves, dwarfed growth,
and distorted flowers.

In selecting ground for planting seed bearers it should be so
arranged that lilies will not be grown on it for at least three years
afterwards,

120

BEDS VERSUS ROWS. 15

THE SELECTION OF SEEDLING TYPES FOR PROPAGATION.

The variations among the second generation seedling plants are
easily recognizable. A batch of seedlings has usually four distinct
kinds: Dark-stemmed (1) long-leafed and (2) short-leafed, and
ereen-stemmed (3) long-leafed and (4) short-leafed. Three of
these kinds are marked by tying on pieces of raffia, twine, and strips
of rags, respectively, while the fourth series of plants remains un-
marked. One kind is lifted at a time and kept separate for future
propagation by division only, as it is scarcely worth while to employ
the tedious method of scale propagation.

THE PREPARATION OF THE SOIL.

The preparation of the soil in the field should be attended to much
in advance of the time the seedlings are ready to be planted out.
If after a very heavy manuring a crop of potatoes or cabbage be
taken from the ground, it will be in good order for the reception of
the seedlings. In well-compacted soils a heavy crop of cowpeas or
other legume deeply plowed under the previous summer should
bring about good results. Immediately before planting, the soil
should be worked by disking, rolling, and harrowing to make it
smooth and easy to manipulate when putting in the seedlings.

BEDS VERSUS ROWS.

The question of growing the seedlings in prepared beds or in rows
at equal distances apart in the field is important. The bed system
requires hand work, while cultivation in rows 2 to 3 feet apart can be |
done with a horse machine. The beds have the following advantages:
When the lilies are planted moderately close together, the foliage
partly shades the ground and the liles protect each other so that they
are not likely to be whipped about by the wind; moreover, by the
bed system more bulbs can be grown to the acre than in rows wide
apart. The foliage of bed-grown plants is unquestionably of a
deeper green than that of plants grown in rows. In irrigating, the
sunken spaces or alleys separating the beds can be used to convey the
water. In Bermuda the lilies are all grown in narrow beds and no
irrigation is practicable, much to the detriment of the crop at times.
Growing lilies in beds with hand cultivation is necessarily more
expensive than in rows wide apart with horse cultivation, but it is
likely to be found that the additional expense attending bed culture
will be more than warranted by the returns, as this crop must not be
viewed in the same manner as the ordinary field crops which yield
$20, $40, or $100 to the acre. It is considered in Bermuda that an
acre of lilies is not much of a success unless it yields from $1,000 to
$2,000.

120

16 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.
SIZE OF SEEDLINGS AT TIME OF PLANTING.

The seedlings at planting time are necessarily very small, having
only a few very short and narrow leaves—in fact, they seem anything
but promising—and to one who has not had experience in this line of
work the appearance of the seedling plants would very naturally tend
to discouragement. The rows in the bed should be about 8 inches
apart, and the plants at least 5 inches. If the soil is loose and easily
worked, they can be put in by hand; otherwise a short trowel is the
handiest tool. Care should be taken not to have the seedling bed too
wet at the time of transplanting, as this has a tendency to make the
plants flabby. Water should be given as soon as they are put in the
ground.

THE POLLINATION OF THE FLOWERS.

To insure the production of seed, the flowers must be artificially
pollinated, as capsules are rarely formed without this operation.
(Pl. IV, fig. 2.) The pollen is not scattered by wind to any extent
and insects evidently visit the flowers without accomplishing a satis-
factory transfer of pollen from the stamen to the stigmas; therefore
recourse must be had to hand pollination. This consists in taking
three or four stamens between the thumb and forefinger and rubbing
the anthers, which are copiously suppled with pollen, against the
viscid surface of the stigmas. It is best to transfer the pollen from the
flowers of one plant to those of another, as the flowers then set seed
better than when the pollen of one flower is transferred to the stigma
of the same flower or to other flowers on the same plant.

The best time to select pollen is when the anthers have shrunk con-
siderably and the pollen adheres to them in great masses. This should
be applied to the stigmas shortly after the segments of the flowers
open; the stigmatic surface will then be covered with a viscid sub-
stance which enables the pollen to adhere very easily. After pollinat-
ing the flowers on outdoor-grown plants it is advisable to cover them
with paper bags. This is not necessary with plants grown in the
greenhouse.

When the flower is ready for pollen it usually occupies a horizontal
position, and when the pollen has performed its mission the capsule
gradually assumes an upright position (Pl. IV, fig. 2), indicating
that fertilization of the ovules has taken place. Not more than four
capsules should be allowed to mature on one plant, as the. production
of seed seems to be a considerable drain on its resources.

The time required to ripen seed outdoors varies with the climatic
conditions. In a greenhouse the seed ripens in about two months after

120

SOWING THE SEED. 17
fertilization is effected. Those plants which set seed do not go to rest
at the same period as those without seed capsules, but remain fresh
and green for several weeks after the others have matured.

The ripening of the seed is indicated by the capsules turning from
green to a hight brownish color and splitting open at the top. They
should then be gathered into a bag or box and spread out to dry.
When dry the seeds should be removed from the capsules and stored
in a cool, dry place until sown.

The plants selected for seed bearers should not be subjected to
checks during the growing period. Water should be given when
necessary and the ground cultivated as soon as possible afterwards.
A mulch of very old stable litter helps to keep the soil cool and
moist. Observance of these details will give the best seed-producing
conditions; otherwise the capsules will not fill satisfactorily.

SOWING THE SEED.

The seed should be sown as soon as ripe, which is usually about
the latter part of August or the beginning of September, in a place
where close attention can be given to shading, ventilating, and
watering. The method which has given most satisfaction in Cali-
fornia is to sow the seed in well-prepared ground covered with a
cloth house. (Pl. III, figs. 1 and 2.) This is easily and cheaply
constructed, as a glance at the accompanying illustrations will show.

The roof should be high enough from the ground to provide plenty
of space for a person to move around without stooping. The soil
should be about 6 inches deep, on top of about 8 inches of stable
manure. The bed should be raised above the surface of the ground
3 or 4 inches and edged with narrow boards a few inches above the
paths; these will keep the soil in position and give a neat appearance.

The soil should consist of sandy loam mixed with screenings of
dried horse manure, not for the purpose of enriching the soil, but
to make it porous and easily worked. Fresh manure is injurious
to the young plants. Make the surface of the beds level with a
garden rake, sow the seed thinly, and press down with a piece of
board. The seeds should then be covered with one-half inch of
soil and cocoanut fiber in equal parts; ground redwood bark will
answer the purpose quite as well, the idea being to keep the surface
porous. |

Water should be given through a fine sprinkler whenever the soil
shows indications of becoming dry. The seeds should germinate in
from three to six weeks. In April, or as soon as the weather will
permit, the cloth may be removed gradually in order to harden off
the young plants previous to planting out. The seeds may also be

120

18 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

sown in a frame built and covered so as to exclude sunshine and
heavy rains while germination takes place; and while the plants
are small care should be taken not to have the seed beds too wet at
the planting-out period, as in this condition the seedlings are more
easily wilted than otherwise when put in the field.

PRICKING OFF THE SEEDLINGS.

Tt is a question whether or not it pays to prick off the seedlings
previous to planting in the open field. Judging from the behavior
of most other crops so treated, one would suppose that it would be
the best practice.

Those of the seedlings which were pricked off the past season
undoubtedly showed stronger growth than those left in the seed beds
till planting-out time, but it is claimed the operation does not show
any beneficial effects on the plants a few weeks after being in the
field. At any rate, there is much to be gained in thinning out the
seedlings and pricking them off when they come up too thickly in the
seed bed.

TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION IN THE BERMUDAS.

For purposes of comparison with localities in the United States,
the following table, showing the ranges of temperature and the pre-
cipitation at Prospect, Bermuda, for each month of the years 1900
to 1904, inclusive, will be of interest :

TasBLeE I.—TZemperature and precipitation at Prospect, Bermuda, from 1906
to 1904.¢

TEMPERATURE.

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

| |

lead so | 5 Es Py

| H | A 2 4 2 2

Tes | 3 S J all ts E D S

ver Spi ides TEIS lee iia | ei | Naereal laces | laa eg | §

Bee eee | ae Sk org. 1 ee ea

ae tee Sta | SS cee ere ee
1900/ Maximum J ahijseiet eee | 73.4 | 73.4 | 71.8 | 74.2 | 78.4 | 88.0 | 91.2 | 89.8 | 88.6 | 82.6 | 78.6) 75.8
\:Mamimrim\s22. 222. cee | 58.0 | 50.6 | 48.6 | 49.6 | 56.8 | 61.8 | 67.2 | 68.8 | 59.2 | 64.8 | 59.4) 53.6
1991/ Maximum sSattieeetes 71.8 | 70.4 | 73.0 | 74.0 | 83.2 | 88.0 | 92.4 | 93.6 | 91.0 | 87.8 | 74.8 | 74.0
WW ibboubsbyend ae secsoee | 49.2 | 46.8 | 51.4 | 40.4 | 58.6 | 64.0 | 72.0 | 73.0 | 71.4 | 62.2 | 58.8 | 55.0
1992/ Maximum BE Suceeenor | 71.6 | 72.0 | 74.2 | 79.8 | 81.2 | 83.6 | 89.4 | 90.0 | 87.4 | 88.8 | 78.0] 75.0
Sl iiboubrybban Same scene 49.2 | 48.0 | 49.0 | 55.0 | 59.4 | 63.0 | 67.8 | 67.8 | 69.2 | 62.2 | 62.2 | 54.8
1903 eae Dagens Ine 74,8 | 74.2 | 74.0 | 74.4 | 76.2 | 84.0 | 90.0 | 90.8 | 90.0 | 81.8 | 77.0] 76.0
MinimUMmeeeeseneer se | 54.2 | 51.0 | 57.0] 57.2 | 59.6 | 61.4 | 67.4 | 70.2 | 70.0 | 61.6 | 57.4 | 49.8
1904J Maximum tee ban 73.4 | 73.2 | 75.4 | 77.4 | 80.6 | 84.4 | 86.4 | 88/0 | 88.0 | 83.4 | 77.0 | 74.0
Manimumeeeee eee 46.2 | 45.6 | 50.4 | 53.6 | 60.0 | 65.6 | 68.4 | 69.0 | 67.0 | 64.6 | 53.6] 54.0

| |
PRECIPITATION.
1900: ac. Se seeeethaetce aoe 5.48 | 5.17 | 8.08 | 1.59 | 7.47 | 5.25 | 2.38 | 6.80-] 8.32 | 4.03 | 3.97 | 8.21
TOO ss. Fae Seer cece ee 9.71 | 5.56 | 8.55 | 7.20 | 1.88 | 1.54 | 2.42 | 2.27 | 1.92 |10.52 | 7.82 | 3.33
1902) oe eho sps cpetuia aa rstel= =iafu iste 8.18 | 8.09 | 4.33 |13.31 | 2.58 | 8.43 | 2.18 21.33 | 2.04 |13.18 | 2.08} 6.96
1903). cc ae eae ee ee eee 4.37 | 1.44 | 4.06 | 4.20 | 3.98 | 3.83 | 1.73 | 3.86 | 8.38 | 9.83 | 5.03 | 10.58
1904.2 oc scceeineccicestaenere | 4.37 | 1.44 | 4.06 | 4.20 | 3.98 | 3.83 | 1.73 | 3.85 | 8.38 | 9.83 | 5.03 | 10.58
|

“Pata supplied by the United States Weather Bureau.
120

TEMPERATURE RECORDS OF THE LILY-GROWING LOCALITIES. it

The average normal temperature and precipitation at Hamilton,
Bermuda, for each month of the years from 1900 to 1904, inclusive,
follows:

TABLE I1.—Temperature and precipitation at Hamilton, Bermuda, from 1900 to
1904, inclusive.

TEMPERATURE.

| | |
Aug.| Sept.) Oct. | Nov.) Dec.

Years. Jan. | Feb. | Mar.| Apr. | May.|June.| July.

Lee ee oP ROSH OrGner GaSe ere 62.0 | 61.5 | 62.2 | 63.9 | 69.4 | 75.0 | 78.4

a ea ae 4
|
|

79.6 | 77.4 | 73.0 | 68.7 | 64.7
| |

PRECIPITATION.

ia | | }
SOOO 4 ere ete ke ae sim clauctelnic 4,94 | 4.44 | 5.13 | 4.18 | 4.66 | 5.95 | 4.44 | 6.08 | 6.51 | 6.71 | 4.38 4.49

«Data supplied by the United States Weather Bureau.

TEMPERATURE RECORDS OF THE LILY-GROWING LOCALITIES OF
THE UNITED STATES.¢

Fort Brown, Tex.—In the period from November, 1846, to Decem-
ber, 1903, at Fort Brown the annual mean was 73° F., the absolute
maximum 102° F.,-and the absolute minimum 12° F. During the
period from January, 1894, to December, 1903, with the records for
several months missing, the temperature fell below 32° F. on sixty-six
oceasions. It would seem from these records that this vicinity would
be unfavorable for growing the bulbs on a commercial basis.

Los Angeles, Cal—The annual mean at Los Angeles from July,
1877, to December, 1903, is given as 62° F., the absolute maxi-
mum 109° F., and the absolute minimum 28° F. In the period from
January, 1894, to December, 1903, the temperature fell below 32° F.
on five occasions, viz, January 6, 1894; January 21, 1897; January 26
and 27, 1898; and December 13,1901. This record was taken on roofs
of the buildings of the Weather Bureau station 60 to 70 feet above the
ground. Near the surface of the ground the maximum temperature is
higher and the minimum considerably lower. However, in the foot-
hills near Los Angeles frost is unknown, giving ideal conditions for
hily farming.

San Diego, Cal—aAt San Diego the annual mean temperature in
the period from 1850 to 1903 was 61° F., the absolute maximum 101°
F., the absolute minimum 32° F. During the period from January 1,
1894, to December 31, 1903, the temperature fell to 32° F. on one
occasion—January 7, 1894.

Santa Barbara, Cal——At Santa Barbara the annual mean tempera-
ture in the period from January, 1881, to December, 1903, was 60° F.,

aData obtained from Bulletin Q of the United States Weather Bureau.

120

20 PRODUCTION OF EASTER LILY BULBS.

the absolute maximum 100° F., and the absolute minimum 28° F.
During the period from January, 1897, to December, 1903, the tem-
perature fell below 32° F. on only three occasions—December 20, 1897,
February 6, 1899, and February 3, 1903. The foothill region close to
Santa Barbara is practically frostless. Here we find specimens of
tropical plants such as Anthuriums and Platyceriums growing out of
doors all the year round; also large specimens of tropical trees such
as the mango, Casimiroa, and avocado. In these places the growth of
Easter lilies is continuous through the winter, and the plants flower
from one to two weeks earlier than on the level ground nearer the sea.
120

Jeg Seaw, Didee

DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.

Puate I. Field of hybrid Easter lily seedlings (Lilium longiflorum giganteum
Qo xb. l. harrisiti 8) twelve months after planting, coming into flower.
These lilies were grown by Mr. Fred. Rafferty, Santa Ana, Cal.. from seed
supplied by the Bureau of Plant Industry. Seed sown October, 1905.
Planted in the field April 30, 1906. Photographed May 30, 1907.

PLATE II. The same field shown in Plate I in bloom, after three-fourths of the
flowers had been cut. Photographed June 20, 1907.

PuaTE III. Raising Easter lilies at Santa Ana, Cal. Fig. 1—Cloth house used at
Santa Ana, Cal., by Mr. Fred. Rafferty in raising seedling lilies previous to
planting in the field. Imported Lilium longiflorum harrisii plants are seen
on the right. Fig. 2.—Interior of cloth house shown in figure 1, containing
100,000 seedling lilies ready for the field.

Puate IV. Hybrid Easter lilies. Fig. 1—Two-year-old hybrid Easter lily plant
(Lilium longiflorum giganteum Q@ X L.l. harrisii ) with 35 flowers, grown
at Ventura, Cal., by Mr. S. Cole. Fig. 2.—Capsules and seeds of Lilium
longiflorum harristi X Q L. longiflorum g.

120

oT)

ae

“WO 'VNY VINVS LY ONILNYId Y3L4Y SHLNOW 3ATAML YSMOT4 OLN] ONINOO S37 Y31SV¥ ONINGSAS GiuaAH 40 a7a3l4

Bul. 120, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

PLATE I.

"LNO N33G GVH SYSMOT4 SHL SO SHLYNOS-3SNHL YALSY ‘WOOT1g NI | 3LV1d NI NMOHS G1ai4 aWVS 3HL

Bul. 120, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

PLATE II.

Bul. 120, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLaTE III

Fic. 2.—INTERIOR OF CLOTH House SHOWN IN FIGURE 1, CONTAINING 100,000 SEED-
LINGS READY FOR THE FIELD.

RAISING EASTER LILIES AT SANTA ANA, CAL.

PLATE IV.

Bul. 120, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Fia. 1.—TWO-YEAR-OLD HYBRID EASTER LILY PLANT WITH 85
FLOWERS GROWN AT VENTURA, CAL.

HYBRID

Fic. 2.—CAPSULES AND SEEDS OF LILIUM LONGIFLORUM HARRISII
LONGIFLORUM.

BAST@ER EIENES:

E.

INDEX

BeuSsVersSUSIEOWS, loaster lily culture: 2825-20 ee ae
Bermuda, annual imports of Easter lily bulbs __-___-_____ | eee Re ee

conditions unfavorable to production of healthy Easter lily

temperature and precipitation, 1900-1904___________________

Brownsville, Tex., growth and early bloom of Easter lily_.~______=______
SrA Talle HM POLtS iLOmN enim dase = ee eo eee

fromscedines: Successtul SrOWwING=.. = el a ee
LIMPOntedsaisease=prevalent.——- =8. see ee ee

LEVIS shal, fearon above ain (Cpubhitoyoab 8
MOS SUA DLE OCA LOMs LOS STO yyalll ee eee
TUN DCA TOWN LOMEMeG ACEC ese area ee ee ee
previous efforts to grow in United States, causes of failure________
SeconduyeariSp.Crops ValiG@ le) =. Seen ae ee ee ee ee
seedilingstone}year, ‘Old, SizeS2 22525 0 be Ba ees

Byrnes. HM. experiments with crossed plants----2-—=_-= 22 72
California, attempts to grow imported Easter lily bulbs______________ + __

experiments in growing Easter lily bulbs from seedlings______
temperaturerrecords) d&50=1903 2 ses eee

Calla lily soil, infestation with bulb mites in California ________________
Cloth house for Master lily seed beds; description *——- 2
wold-storace bulbs. use tor early bloomse—-)) - 2 2 oe ee eee
Disease im imported) Haster lilly bulbs2. 22 =
Fertilizer, use of stable manure on Easter lily seed beds___--- ===
Florida, experiments in growipg Easter lily bulbs from seedlings _____ __
MioOwerseol Master wily. qoollination 22) =o. ee ee eee

Hort Brown, Tex., temperature records, 1846-1903. 2.
Hamilton, Bermuda, temperature and precipitation, 1900-1904_____ |
INeyaIVESt, Hla. temperature and precipitatiom=—-—* == 222) se
Lilium longiflorum, description of development from seed____-__-_-______
giganteum crossed with Lilium 1. harrisii, results____

harrisii crossed with Lilium longiflorum giganteum,

MeSUI(G Ss) 2h) St 22 hs be ee ee en

seedlings: characteristi¢S= === === === =a aan
variety, change of type in seedlings_________

HnivesaASsters best -VATIClleS tO; 2rOW= se.) ee a ee Ee

HOwWeLSeuDOlLiM at OM. at Soe see ee es ee ee
DLOpAcanOns IMetIODS a 252s ee eee
Sseedapedrers *selectionpe 2". 2 al Sa eee eee

Ripeness indications: 22-2 sus Se eee

120

18

24 INDEX.
: Page
Dithy; Baster;seed, ripening: time required) 222s 5 ae ee ee 15
SOWAN Sanaa canrerots SECC lye Cleese ames tee ee epee 16
Localities most suitable for Easter lily bulb growing____________________ 9-12 .
Longbeach, Cal., favorable conditions for Easter lily growth_____________ 10
Loomis, Cal., favorable locality for Easter lily bulb growing _____________ 9
Los Angeles, Cal., temperature, records, 1877-19038_____-=-______________ 18
Manure; stable; useion Haster lily seed" beds22 2 ea aaa 16
Miaini: lai. temperaiiumes: fa 2 ee ee ee 9
AV Gey, oyoulloy. ihayjeneeys| rhole(OeNburoineels = ee ew 10
Plates; MESe@rip toms Laie ae a co ee 22
Pollination of Hasterslilty- sil Owe Ss Ge Se tel Ors ees wee eee eee ee 15
Precipitation, Bermuda, 900-1904 eee RE ts ie
Propagation, Dasterslily, methods22 sss ee ee 8
selection ofiseediling tty pests aa eee 13
Prospect, Bermuda, temperature and precipitation, 1900-1904. _________ aly
Raintalls Bermuda, 11 OOOH LG OA esa ee ie ees ee Set) Ie
Rows! versus beds tor aster lily cultures=_2 2 eee ee 14
San Diego, Cal., temperature records, 1850—1903___________-____=_______ 18
Santa Ana, Cal., favorable condition for Easter lily growing____________ 10
Haster Lily Company, successful growing from seed__-_______ 12
Barbara, Cal., temperature records, 1881—1908____________________ 18
Seéd. bearers; sélecbion 53.22.22 ee 2 ee ae ee ee 13
Master ihy. Tip Cmts tire sre CUT el eee ee eer 15
TIPEness jANGications =-.2—....2 =) _ Se 15
Sowineandlicarerot seed) bedae 22222 a= a= == aa aaene 16
Seedling types for propagation: sclectiqnae]s =snne snes 13
Seedlings, Easter lily, advantages over plants produced by vegetative prop-
Hea tion] es ee ee eee eee ales?
freedom.-from "diseases = 2 = eee 8
one year old, large number of blooms______________ 12
sizeof: Dulbs2e 15222 5 ae eee ee 13
OLIsinvoL ehorts tORerOWee 2) ee 8
DHcCking (Of st sets ee 1617
sizelat time of plantings 220 EE 14-15
Soil) preparation for Master lilyaseedline ss] 2222 14
Temperature, lowest withstood by Easter lily seedlings__________________ 9
LECOLAS Of VSELMIU Gael GOO GO Ae ae ee 17
; lily-growing localities in United States_________ 18
Texas, experiments in growing Haster lily bulbs from seedlings__________ 10
Fort Brown, temperature records 1846-1903_____________________ 18
southeastern, temperature unfavorable for growing Faster lily
Dub Sis. sae ee es ee es ee ee 12
United States, previous efforts to establish growing of Easter lily bulbs__ 7-8
temperature records of lily-growing localities____________ 18
Varieties of Easter lilies most suitable for growing in the United States__ 12-13
Ventura: Cal sravaces! oe oily) rani eee ee ae eee ey eee 10
Vegetative propagation, advantages of seedlings over plants so produced__ 13
Washington, experiments in growing Easter lily bulbs from seedlings__—_ 9
Woods, Dr. Albert F., investigations of lily disease____________________ 8
Yuma, Ariz., favorable conditions for Easter lily growing_______________ 10
120

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