LT COL NOEL ELLIS
14/X/2025
It was my daughter’s birthday in Feb when we got her a bouquet of
flowers from our local florist. Daughter’s being special, instead of roses we
thought of getting something different and unique to present to her.
It didn’t take us a second to decide what to buy. My wife and I in
unison pointed to a lily which we had no idea what it was. We earlier used to
include tube roses, gerberas, roses, gladiola etc. However, these flowers were
eye catchers.
We got a jolt when we heard the price. But their beauty was worth it.
So, we got a bunch made and rest is what motivated me to write this article.
Having had the experience of growing a variety of bulbs like the
Amaryllis, rain, crinium, gladiola, freesia, peace, water, tuberose, narcissi,
daffodil, tulip, and a few others. Last three didn’t see the light of the
day. It was worth giving it a try.
We decided to grow the Asiatic lily in our garden. We had no idea about
how to go about it. None of our friends had them in their gardens. The only
knowledge we could gather was from the net. Videos make it look so simple, but
when it comes to brass tacks, it isn’t.
As usual, the hunt for a good seller of Asiatic lily bulbs began. To
tell you, we have had mixed experiences by ordering plants and bulbs online.
Sellers mix up the bulbs. The colours that are shown are different from what
finally grows. The quality and size vary. What they show and what you receive
are at variance. One has to keep his fingers crossed.
Our garden till date has been experiments only. From the types of plants
to manure and nutrients, all are a little different from what is given in the
‘book’. Matter of fact, it is good to try your own. At least you learn a lesson
as to how to grow and care for plants. One evolves and learns and most of the
time it is success. Ours has been that typical journey.
The ideal time to sow them is Oct-Nov they say, but I could not wait
that long. In the first week of September when the bulbs arrived, they were
shoved in the soil. We put three bulbs in a twelve inch pot with a hope at
least one would grow to a flowering stage. Just in case a few perish was the
thought behind this particular sowing pattern.
There was a ‘technical glitch’. Those days it was still raining. Our
pack of bulbs got delayed in transit as usual because Mr Murphy keeps track of
things with me. The courier which generally takes 3-4 days took 10 days. The
pack arrived wet and the bulbs had already sprouted as if put in soil.
Had there been mishandling, the fresh tips could have broken. Then there
would have been an issue. But luckily, they were intact. So, without wasting
time, they went into the pots.
The soil was the old one already rested for a couple of months. Just a
handful of home made leaf compost was mixed and viola. Two inches below the
surface was where a bulb was supposed to go. The bulbs had grown quite a bit in
transit and were showing above the soil after planting. It was a matter of
concern but nevertheless.
It is mid October and the results are here to see. Out of 18 bulbs 12
survived and four have flowered. Thanks to the stray cats in our lane who
trespass through these pots, they knocked down a few stems. It was
heartbreaking but then there is many a slip between a bulb and a flower.
They come in many colours and a few are here for you to see. The only
nutrients I fed them was the aquarium water which I change every fifteen days.
That too after dilution.
They were kept in semi shade in the garage where they got enough morning
sun. The watering was done only when the soil went dry. These bulbs do not like
waterlogging and tend to rot if they remain wet for long. Once in three days
was good enough for us.
We had ordered gladiola bulbs alongside these Asiatic lily ones. Those
have come up well but the stalks are yet to appear. Maybe, we were a little
early to sow them. Chances are by the end of this month we would have the
second set of flowers in the Ellis’ Garden.
Friends, it is worth a try. The results are beyond imagination. Even if
we would have had just one flower, it would have been worth it. Would you guys
try growing Asiatic lilies? I wonder!!!!!!
JAI HIND
©® NOEL
ELLIS
Asiatic lilies , wonderful .
ReplyDeleteThank you
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