Lily

Lilium brownii var. viridulum

What Should You Know About Pollinating Lily?

Lily relies mainly on bees for pollination, secreting alluring nectars to attract these busy-bodies. Its dynamic pollination mechanism, involving a synchronised transfer of pollen onto the bee and then to the stigma of another flower, facilitates successful fertilization. The strategic timing of pollen release by lily ensures a high chance of cross-pollination.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Lily?

Bloom Time

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

Western honey bee

Bumble bees

Red admiral

Seven-spotted ladybug

Beetles

How Does Pollination Occur in Lily?

Lily has showy, trumpet-shaped flowers with recurved petals, which serve as landing platforms for insects. The pistils and stamens are situated to maximize contact with pollinators.

In lily, cross-pollination is typically favoured over self-pollination. The structure of the flower tends to limit the potential for self-pollination.

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Lily?

Plant Diversity

Consider planting a wide variety of plants, such as different types of herbs, wildflowers, and shrubs, that flower at different times throughout the year. This will ensure a continuous food source for bees, beetles, and butterflies, attracting these pollinators to your garden or farm.

Pesticides

Minimize or completely avoid the use of pesticides, as they can harm these pollinators. Instead, practice natural pest control methods or use organic products that are less harmful to pollinating insects.

Water Source

Provide a shallow water source in your garden or farm. Bees, beetles, and butterflies need water especially during hot summer months. Including features like a bird bath, a pond, or even puddles can provide necessary hydration for these pollinators.

Pollinator Habitats

Consider building or preserving habitats such as bee houses or beetle banks in your garden or farm. This can significantly enhance the survival and reproduction of these pollinators, thereby improving natural pollination.

How Can You Determine if Lily has Been Pollinated?

Seed Formation

After successful pollination in lily, seeds start developing within the plant's ovary. This is a visible sign of effective pollination.

Browning and Shrinking of Stamens

Once pollination is complete, the stamens of the lily often change color and become shriveled, indicating the male reproductive parts have concluded their role.

Petal Dropping

Pollinated flowers of lily will eventually drop their petals. If the petals have fallen off, this can be an indication that pollination has occurred.

Fruit Set

Successful pollination leads to fruit development. If you notice tiny bulbs at the flower base of lily, it means pollination occurred.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Lily

Normal

Difficulty

30 mins

Duration

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Lily?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is used to pick up and transfer pollen.

Tweezers

Tweezers are used to handle petals or sensitive parts of the flower if required.

Magnifying Glass

A magnifying glass helps in viewing smaller details of the flower, making the process more accurate.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Lily?

Best time to perform hand-pollination is early in the morning when the flower has just opened up. The overall timing in the plant growth cycle would be when lily is in full bloom, usually mid-summer.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Lily

Step1: Gathering Pollen

Using a small brush, carefully gather pollen from the stamen of the flower in lily.

Step2: Applying Pollen

Locate the stigma of the same or another flower. Using the same brush, gently dust the pollen onto the stigma.

Step3: Repetition

For maximum success, this process should be repeated over a few days as long as the flower remains open.

Step4: Post-Pollination Care

After hand-pollinating, the plant should continue to be given sufficient amounts of sunlight and water.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Lily Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Low Pollinator Attraction

If lily is not attracting enough pollinators, try mimicking pollinator activity by gently shaking the plant or using a small brush to transfer pollen.

Unfavorable Weather Conditions

Harsh weather can hinder pollination. Shield lily plants during extreme hot or cold spells and ensure they are watered adequately.

Pest Infestation

Pests can disturb pollination. Use organic pests and disease control methods to protect the lily plants.

Poor Blooming

Inadequate nutrition can lead to fewer flowers hence less pollination opportunity for lily. Ensure appropriate fertilization for abundant flowering.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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