Properly shipping fresh flowers can sometimes be a difficult or challenging task, but for the professionals at Prime Fresh Handling, it’s no problem at all. It is because of our expertise and experience in this industry that we have to put together some commonly asked questions. 

Our comprehensive flower shipping and logistics solution company has spent years shipping many different flowers, including long-stem roses, fresh-cut flowers, live plants, and more. Our capabilities allow us to provide the best services to our customers, including imparting our knowledge. 

How to Transport Lilies

Since lilies produce from bulbs, before moving them, they must be divided and transplanted during fall for best results. Around late September to early October is when you should move lilies. Once they have been lifted, the bulbs need to be immediately transplanted. When to do that depends on the growing zone you live in. If you live somewhere cold and snowy, sometimes lilies can hold out through the season until the very last day before frost. This is when the plant will start to gather everything to store in the bulb for massive blooms come spring. 

When packing the plant and bulbs, they must be handled with the utmost care. They can be fragile, and the bulbs can dry out quickly. Keeping them moist during transport is very important. The best time of day to work with lilies like this is in the morning when temperatures are slightly cooler and the air and the soil still have some moisture in them. 

The placement of the flowers during transport is another key factor to pay attention to. Thankfully, most of Prime’s shipping solutions are climate-controlled, which is why we have such great relations with the industry. 

How Big of a Container Do Lilies Need?

When thinking about planting or replanting lilies in containers after shipment, it is important to know how big a container is needed. A container should be 15 to 18 inches deep for the best optimal root growth. The bulb should be 8 to 12 inches deep on top of at least 6 inches of soil. A deep 5-gallon pot is big enough to start three lily plants. You’ll want to have more than enough room to take care of lily plants.

How to Care for the Lily Plant?

If you are receiving a lily bulb, then the first thing you’ll want to check is that it is healthy and out of harm’s way from the journey. Sort through all the bulbs and throw away any that are mushy or moldy, then take the healthy ones and begin the planting process. 

Since we know what type of container to grab, we’ll want that close by and filled with the proper amount of soil. You can also add layers of rocks at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. This will also allow the pot to stay stable if you are planning on growing a taller plant. Lilies work well in partially sandy soils instead of potting soils that can be too wet and possibly cause the bulbs to rot. 

Since lilies are heavy feeders, adding a slower-release fertilizer will really benefit them as the top layer of soil. Once the lilies start to grow from the bulb, more potting soil should be added. They should only be watered if this top layer of soil looks dry. 

What Do Lilies Represent?

This is a fun question that our ground solutions experts love to answer! Lilies are symbols of peace, virtue, devotion, and friendship, depending on the color. They are an often cherished gift because of their sweet and innocent beauty. 

There are over 90 different lily species, and colors vary, but here are a few examples of what some colors mean:

• White: The symbol of purity and virtue 
• Pink (Stargazer): The symbol of prosperity and abundance
• Red: The symbol of passion
• Orange: The symbol of confidence, pride, and wealth
• Yellow: The symbol of thankfulness and desire for enjoyment 

Contact Prime Fresh Handling

If you have more questions about lily transportation or the other global industries we work in, contact us today. Our team is happy to help fill in any more blanks you may have.