Lily Flower

Botanical Name: Lilium
Common Name: Massa
Cultivation: Sun to partial shade in well drained soil
Colors: Red-Orange
Uses: Decorative purposes
Regions: Temperate and Sub Tropical regions of Asia, China, North Africa

Cultivation of Lily
Lilies prefer well drained soil which is kept moderately moist, but avoid over watering. They need full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The unopened blossoms may fail if there is insufficient moisture in the air. They are considered to be hardy in cold climates. Winter protection is provided by mulching the ground with a thick, generous layer of straw, leaves, evergreen boughs, wood chips or pine needles.

Drying of Lily
Lily can be picked in prime condition. It is gathered and tied into small bunches. These bunches are then hanged in a warm, dark, open, airy place to dry.

Lilies are alos dried by freeze drying. The flowers after cutting are hydrated and treated with a specific solution. A protective coating is applied over the flowers and then they are freezed for about 10 to 14 days. The machine slowly extracts moisture from fresh flowers at extremely low temperatures. Moisture leaves the floral in shape and its size intact. Each flower is then sealed with a post treatment to protect them from fading and re-absorbing moisture.

Lilies can also be dried by pressing the flowers between an absorbing material. The material can either be paper or cardboard. Weight is applied on the presses and kept aside in a warm place for few days. Check the color of flowers at regular interval and keep replacing the material if required. Reposition the flowers each time the absorbent material is changed. Remove carefully after dried completely.

Uses of Lily
Dried lily flowers are called golden needles. Dried lilies are used in exotic dried flower arrangement. They are wonderfully showy and fragrant. They have several other uses as well. Dried roots are pounded and flour is made out of it. They are used as a flavoring and thickener in soups. They are used in pickles and in potpourris for scent and color.

It is used for nervous sensitivity, neurasthenia, apoplexy, epilepsy, dropsy, heart pains and heart diseases in general. It is also strongly diuretic, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure. An ointment is made from dried roots used in the treatment of burns. It is also used in wine for flavor and color.