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| New variety of OT Lilies ‘Shocking’ | |
| The first varieties of the new OT lilies are starting to appear. They are the result of interspecific crossing between Oriental and Aurelium lilies. Although similar in shape to Orientals, the OT varieties have some major advantages including larger blooms, improved vase life and improved resistance to pests and disease. The leaves are more resistant to Botrytis and the tubers more resistant to Phythium. Another advantage is their unusual colour range. The new OT variety ‘Shocking’ has a flower diameter of 21cms, with two-tone yellow-reddish buds and petals. First introduced in limited numbers on the Dutch auctions in 2004, bulbs are becoming more available and the flowers are obtaining premium prices. The variety produces 120 cm long stems and the buds grow laterally and upright. The variety is easy to work with and has a long vase life of around 18 days. Another advantage of OT lilies is their shorter cultivation time. A normal Oriental has a cultivation time of approximately 110 days while the OT lily needs just 75 to 80 days on average and this is without any loss of length. Other significant features include their good processing properties, cold room storage tolerance and vase life in water. Flowers are best stored, dry at a temperature between 2 and 5 °C. They are normally wrapped and packed into boxes. This provides the best protection against damage and dehydration. The longer the flowers are stored, the less likely it is that the flowers will open. During transport, the ideal temperature is between 2 and 5°C. Good ventilation is essential. Lilies should be pre-cooled before dispatch and never transport together with fruit (lilies mature too quickly when exposed to the ethylene gas to which they are very susceptible). Care should be taken to not cut the stems to soon. www.flowercouncil.org |
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