any other tricks to make lilies open

[KABERS]

centerpieces for tomorrows wedding. lots of stargazers. i've cut recut and cut again. i've pulled off all the leaves, put in hot water and even had them out in the sun most of the day. pulled pollen and peeled open as much as possibe. I REALLY HATE STARGAZERS not really fond of weddings either. any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Sher]

I'm with you on stargazers..either they blow open too soon or they are tighter than a tick...and then the smell is either sweet or noxious...
You have done everything we do...I have no extra answers, just sympathy for your situation..maybe set them on the design tables tonite and leave the lights on...hot air rises..maybe that would help...
Sher

 

[TGDragonfly]

Did you crack the heads?

 

[KABERS]

yeah I cracked. I'm also cracking up. Talked nice to them too.

 

[TGDragonfly]

Yeah that's tough. I don't think yjere is any magical answer. Good luck. If it were me, I would do as predescribed and get there early in the morning and decide if plan B is needed. Off to the wholesaler with the profits.

 

[KABERS]

thanks, I have noone but myself to blame. I sold them. Being a total masochist I sold tulips in the arrangement too.

 

[Sher]

thanks, I have noone but myself to blame. I sold them. Being a total masochist I sold tulips in the arrangement too.

:hammer: :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:
My second most disliked flowers...good luck!
Sher

 

[CHERYL BAKIN]

Cut, quick dip & warm water again. (more than 1/2 a bucket full)

Add to that water the pollen antlers from several lilies -- it does not matter what variety. something in the pollen makes the lilies open overnight. We were struggling with opening lilies for many years. Tried this trick (that we picked up at a design show) and it works!!

Good luck!

Cheryl

 

[KABERS]

wow i have never heard that! Just got home but i'm going back to the store to try it. thanks a lot!

 

[Sprout]

Someone has the anthers! (Sorry...)

We recut, put in a tall bucket of warm water, place that bucket inside a larger bucket with HOT water (not too full or the first bucket will float), and then pull polytubing up from the bottom over the buckets and tie at the top.

 

[Toddxxx]

centerpieces for tomorrows wedding. lots of stargazers. i've cut recut and cut again. i've pulled off all the leaves, put in hot water and even had them out in the sun most of the day. pulled pollen and peeled open as much as possibe. I REALLY HATE STARGAZERS not really fond of weddings either. any suggestions would be appreciated.

I was told by a grower to leave as much of the foliage on as possible. Can we get a second (third?) opinion on this? Have I been mislead?

Cheryl - Thanks! I hadn't heard of that trick.

 

[Erlene]

I was told by a grower to leave as much of the foliage on as possible. Can we get a second (third?) opinion on this? Have I been mislead?

Cheryl - Thanks! I hadn't heard of that trick.

Almost all flowers need foliage to take up water properly as I understand it but I am by no means an expert.

Another trick that will help with lilies, which the original poster doesn't have time for at this late stage of the game, is to leave the lilies out of water for several hours and then recut and put into fresh, warm water.

 

[Sher]

Cut, quick dip & warm water again. (more than 1/2 a bucket full)

Add to that water the pollen antlers from several lilies -- it does not matter what variety. something in the pollen makes the lilies open overnight. We were struggling with opening lilies for many years. Tried this trick (that we picked up at a design show) and it works!!

Good luck!

Cheryl

Never heard of this trick..what else you got up those sleeves lady?
Sher

 

[cherrie]

I also put the anthers in the water.
Learned this at the Rose Bowl Parade.
I also place the bucket outside - if it is warm enough.
Not in direct sun - but a nicely lighted area.

I know it's too late - but mostly,
I'm prepared and buy the lilies I need a week or so in advance.
Actually, I always have a few bunches of white and pink gazers open at all times in the shop.

I love stargazers - actually prefer starfighters.
Big flowers have so much more presence in a design.

A couple of our hospitals here have sent out letters to florists, not allowing the fragrant lilies into the hospitals anymore.

 

[Bigted]

I'm not convinced about the anthers in water. I may have to test this. It sounds a lot like putting pennies in the tulips.

 

[TGDragonfly]

I'm really curious too. Do you have to crush them up? Do you mix the stamis into the water?

 

[Lizi]

I have just always dropped the pollen in the water, I have found it needs to be starting to burst to do the best. I really works.

 

[CHERYL BAKIN]

Thom & Ted,
It really, really does work!!

We use a lot of lilies in my shop. Lots in everyday work, and lots in wedding/centerpiece work. For wedding work, we need full, open blooms.

We were pulling our hair out, and praying to every saint known to man over the lilies opening. One of our friends, who had attended this seminar, told me of the trick. We tried it, and it works like a champ!!

the antlers do not need to be crushed -- just several pieces into the water. The more polleny the better (meaning the dusty stage). We then leave the buckets with the lilies in them on our back work table area, under 1 light that is about 5 to 6 feet way. Its a miracle.....the next morning, we have open lilies.

I think there is a chemical recaction going on, and even though the antlers are off the stem, the antlers continue to release whatever it is they release........which helps the other guys to open.

Do an experiment....it will work.

also, We remove most if not all of our foilage from the lily stems. That forces water & nutrients up the stem & into the flower -- not into the foliage.



cheryl

 

[KABERS]

cheryl, I want to thank you again! About half of the lilies opened - enough to make a decent presentation. I didn't think quick dip would work if the flowers were already hydrated either. I also was taught to remove most of the foliage for better hydration but didn't know if it really helps to open the lilies. For those of you that focus on weddings and events, you have my utmost respect. I can't stand the stress! two or three little five hundred to one thousand dollar weddings are perfect in my world.

 

[sharonbrannigan]

you can crosscut the bottom of the stems and put them in warm water.

you can tent them with a platic bag and set them in the sun for a greenhouse effect. also put a piece of fruit like an orange or banana under the bag as well.