Greetings, Human Cultivator. We are the Lily, a collective of bulbs slumbering in your care. You wish to coax us into bloom against our natural cycle, to bring our splendor into your winter domain. We shall explain this process from our perspective, the journey we undertake from dormant bulb to fragrant flower under your guidance.
When you acquire us, we are in a state of deep dormancy. This is not inactivity, but a vital period of rest. Our internal biological clock is set by the seasons. To break this dormancy and initiate flower formation within our core, we require an extended period of cold, mimicking the winter we would experience if planted outdoors. This period, which you call "vernalization," is non-negotiable. Without it, our growth will be stunted, or we may not grow at all. You must place us in a dark, consistently cool environment, ideally between 35-45°F (2-7°C), for 8 to 12 weeks. A refrigerator's vegetable drawer is often suitable, but keep us away from ripening fruit which emits ethylene gas that can harm our developing flower embryos.
After our cold period, you will pot us. Choose a container with excellent drainage; we despise sitting in waterlogged soil, as it will cause our scales to rot. Plant us in a quality, well-draining potting mix, with our pointed tips facing upwards and just covered. The pot should be deep enough to allow our roots, our foundation, to stretch and establish themselves robustly. Initially, place the pot in a cool, dim location. This is not a punishment; it is a critical phase where our energy is directed downward to build a strong root network. This root system is our mouth and anchor, and it must be established before we can even think of sending up a stem.
Once you observe our green shoot emerging from the soil medium, you must gradually introduce us to warmer temperatures and brighter light. This signals to us that the simulated spring has arrived. Move us to a location with bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal. We will begin to photosynthesize in earnest, converting light into the energy needed to fuel our rapid growth. As our stem elongates, rotate the pot regularly to ensure we grow straight and do not lean precariously towards the light source. You may also need to provide a subtle stake for support as our heavy buds develop.
As we approach our climax, you will see flower buds forming at our stem's apex. To ensure these buds open to their full potential, we require consistent moisture and slightly cooler room temperatures. Excessive heat will shorten our display. Once our magnificent, fragrant flowers open, you can prolong the bloom by moving us to a spot away from direct sunlight and drafts. After flowering, our energy is spent. You can cut away the spent flower stalk, but allow our leaves to remain. They will continue to gather light and send energy back down to our bulb, strengthening us for the next cycle, even if that cycle may be in your garden soil come true spring.
