Lilies are often purchased in a tight, closed-bud state to ensure the longest possible display time. This is intentional, yet it leaves many new owners wondering when the flowers will finally open. This guide explains the typical timeline for the buds to open and provides specific care techniques necessary to manage the bloom rate and extend the enjoyment of your cut lilies.
Determining the Opening Timeline
The time it takes for a lily bud to unfurl depends heavily on its maturity when you first receive it. Buds that are tightly closed and still green may require several days to show any change. However, a lily cut at the “colored bud stage,” where the color of the petal is just beginning to peek through the tip, will typically open much faster.
Once placed in water at average room temperature, a lily bud showing color can often open within 24 hours or less. The buds on a single stem open sequentially, usually starting with the lowest one. This staggered opening ensures you enjoy a continuous display, as the full vase life of a well-cared-for lily arrangement is generally between 10 and 14 days.
Immediate Care Upon Arrival
The moment lilies are brought home, their vascular system needs immediate attention to ensure maximum water uptake. The first step is to prepare a clean vase with fresh, cool water mixed with the provided floral food. Commercial flower food contains a biocide to inhibit bacterial growth and a carbohydrate source to nourish the buds.
Before placing them in the vase, you must re-cut the stems at an angle. Use a sharp, clean knife or shears to cut about one to two inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This maximizes the surface area for hydration and prevents the stem from resting flat on the base of the vase.
It is also important to remove any foliage that would sit below the water line. Submerged leaves decompose rapidly and introduce bacteria. This bacteria clogs the stem’s water-conducting tissues, hindering water uptake.
Accelerating and Managing the Bloom Rate
Temperature is the primary factor for controlling the rate at which your lily buds open. Placing the vase in a warmer environment increases the flower’s metabolic rate, which hastens the blooming process. A location with bright, indirect light and a consistently warm temperature will encourage a quick opening. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the blooms to fade prematurely and speed up dehydration.
Conversely, if you want to slow down the opening, place the vase in a cooler location, such as a garage or basement, overnight. The lower temperature reduces the rate of respiration and water loss, effectively pausing the bloom cycle. Another technique to encourage faster opening is to use lukewarm water for the initial hydration, as the warmer temperature is more readily absorbed by the stem’s xylem.
Maximizing Longevity After the Buds Open
Once the lily blooms begin to open, a specific maintenance step is required to extend their display life. As soon as the petals separate, the pollen-bearing anthers in the center of the bloom should be gently removed. This prevents the messy, staining pollen from falling onto the petals or surrounding furniture and helps prolong the flower’s vase life.
The water should be changed completely every two to three days to prevent the proliferation of bacteria that can plug the stems. Each time you change the water, give the stems a fresh, angled cut to remove the portion that may have become clogged. Furthermore, removing individual flowers as they wilt and fade allows the plant to redirect its energy to the remaining, unopened buds.