Lilies Are Making a Comeback, and New Varieties Are Stealing the Show

Philadelphia, PA – Lilies are making their comeback in the cut flower industry. Interest in new colors, distinctive blooms, and specialty varieties is opening opportunities for flower farmers and floral designers. Today’s lilies are changing what many people picture when they hear the word “lily.”

With European bulb harvesting now underway, farmers are placing orders for the 2027 season. Flower farmers and florists who need particular varieties, especially the latest designer colors and double-flowered lilies, should place their orders by the end of October if they want the best choice.

Florists and Growers Are Shaping the Crop

Florists are playing a growing role in what ends up in the field. Florists who ask their growers for specific colors and forms help move newer varieties into production, and those requests are shaping what is planted for the coming season.

Modern lilies offer many of the qualities specialty growers are looking for. They hold up in the vase, continue opening after harvest and ship well, while a single stem can make a dramatic focal flower. Today’s breeding has also produced a wide range of colors, forms and flower types for weddings, retail bouquets and event work.

Nationwide Trial to See What Grows and Sells Best

Flowerbulb.eu and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) have partnered and started a nationwide trial program for lilies involving 20 flower farms across the United States. Each farm gains practical experience growing, harvesting and marketing lilies as it learns how well the crop suits its current operations.

Results are expected in 2027 through The Cut Flower Quarterly and will give growers practical data to guide future planting decisions.

Free Resources for Growers

Flowerbulb.eu offers free education for farmers interested in lilies, including a Lily Growing Master Class and a Grower’s Guide in English, Spanish and Hmong. Both cover production techniques and practical considerations for adding lilies to a farm.

Ready to Plan for 2027?

Nationwide Trial to See What Grows and Sells Best

• Do you have designer colors on order?
• To get the best selection of lilies, you should place your order by the end of October.
• Ask your grower about double-flowered varieties.

For more information, visit https://flowerbulb.eu/summer-flowering-bulbs/lily-grower/.

Royal Anthos is a Dutch trade organization representing trade companies in flower bulbs and nursery stock products worldwide. For more information, visit www.anthos.org.

Flowerbulb.eu is a promotional agency for the flower bulb sector. Their goal is to educate and inspire new and experienced gardeners. They do not sell flower bulbs; they encourage consumers to visit their local retailer.