Beautiful flowers are popping up everywhere in a rainbow of colours and you can tell it is that time of the year – Easter or Spring as they say in northern climates.
Lilium longiflorum commonly called Easter Lily has been adopted by many churches as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also the emblem of Spring. Each year it puts out its elegant, heavenly scented, white trumpet-shaped flowers at the end of a green stalk with glossy-green leaves.
Easter Lily originated in Japan where it bloomed abundantly. In 1891m an explorer by the name of Carl Peter discovered this lily in Japan and sent a few bulbs back to England. Soon these lilies were being carried by missionaries, soldiers and others from one country to another.
Plant the Easter Lily bulb, which resembles a head of a garlic, in well-drained soil in a semi-shaded area in the garden where it will receive bright light, but not direct sunlight. Dig a hole approximately 6 inches deep. Set the bulb so that the neck of the bulb sits on the surface of the soil. Press the soil firmly and water lightly.
Remember to keep the soil moist until the bulb starts to grow. Stiff green stems will emerge first.
Fertilize with Miracle Gro All Purpose fortnightly or Osmocote Slow Release Plant Food once per month. After the lily has finished blooming, cut off the dry head and let it bloom again. Remember bulbs have a rest period so there is no problem if the bulb goes to sleep.
Bermuda has been in major commercial production of the Easter Lily long before the US where it is now sold as a potted plant for Easter.
Have a happy and blessed Easter.
Until next week, happy gardening.
