Brazilian Floriculture: Part 8 - Lilies, Amaryllis and Similar Plants

Introduction

Brazil is a major producer of flowers, and lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants are some of the most popular flowers grown in the country. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultivation of these flowers in Brazil, from planting and care to harvesting and marketing.

Lilies

Lilies are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and they are grown in a wide variety of colors and shapes. In Brazil, lilies are typically grown in the cooler months of the year, from May to September. The most common varieties of lilies grown in Brazil include:

• Asiatic lilies: These lilies are native to Asia, and they are known for their large, showy flowers. Asiatic lilies are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and orange.
• Oriental lilies: These lilies are native to Japan, and they are known for their large, fragrant flowers. Oriental lilies are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple.
• Trumpet lilies: These lilies are native to North America, and they are known for their long, trumpet-shaped flowers. Trumpet lilies are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and orange.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis are another popular flower in Brazil, and they are typically grown in the warmer months of the year, from October to April. The most common varieties of amaryllis grown in Brazil include:

• Hippeastrum: These amaryllis are native to South America, and they are known for their large, showy flowers. Hippeastrum amaryllis are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and orange.
• Sprekelia: These amaryllis are native to Mexico, and they are known for their smaller, more delicate flowers. Sprekelia amaryllis are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow.

Similar Plants

In addition to lilies and amaryllis, there are a number of other similar plants that are grown in Brazil. These plants include:

• Alstroemeria: These plants are native to South America, and they are known for their long-lasting flowers. Alstroemeria are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and orange.
• Freesia: These plants are native to South Africa, and they are known for their fragrant flowers. Freesia are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple.
• Gladiolus: These plants are native to Africa, and they are known for their tall, showy flowers. Gladiolus are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple.

Cultivation

Lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants are all relatively easy to grow, and they can be grown in a variety of climates. The most important factors to consider when growing these plants are:

• Soil: Lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Water: These plants need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in water.
• Fertilizer: Lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants need to be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Sunlight: These plants need full sun to grow properly.

Harvesting and Marketing

Lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants are typically harvested when the flowers are fully open. The flowers are then cut and placed in water to keep them fresh. The flowers can then be sold to florists or directly to consumers.

Conclusion

Brazilian floriculture is a major industry, and lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants are some of the most popular flowers grown in the country. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultivation of these flowers in Brazil, from planting and care to harvesting and marketing. With its wealth of information, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in growing lilies, amaryllis, and similar plants.