Growing Lilies Master Class | Flowerbulb.eu
Royal Anthos and its lily bulb vendors have announced a partnership with the Slow Flowers Society. The goal is to teach American flower farmers how easy it is to grow and sell lilies. Flowerbulb.eu, the promotional arm of Anthos, has a dedicated lily page on its website to inspire and teach American flower farmers. It also contains The Growing Lilies: Master Class. This presentation, soon to be translated into Spanish and Hmong, will give flower farmers the information they need to grow lilies successfully.
“This market sector has vast growth potential. Cut flowers and florist greens raised domestically in the U.S. increased by more than 50% between 2017 and 2022, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. This partnership will help us reach flower farmers and support them with domestic sales and training,” says Mark-Jan Terwindt, Director of Royal Anthos.
Debra Prinzing is the founder of SlowFlowers.com, an award-winning digital web campaign that she formed 10 years ago to promote locally grown flowers to consumers and professionals. Their membership continues to grow in the double digits, and much of its popularity is attributed to consumers’ yearning to embrace local agriculture and support local farmers. The group represents approximately 750 small flower farmers, farm florists, and floral designers.
“The mission of the Slow Flowers movement is to inspire the floral industry and its consumers to embrace local, seasonal, and sustainable flowers. We’re thrilled to partner with Flowerbulb.eu to encourage U.S. cut flower growers to grow more lilies and to encourage florists and their clients to enjoy a wider range of locally grown lilies — from everyday arrangements to special occasions,” says Debra Prinzing, founder of Slow Flowers Society.
Peggy Anne Montgomery, Account Executive from the Garden Media Group in addition to being a horticulturist and former long-time resident of the Netherlands, is leading the initiative. “I always have fresh flowers, and lilies are my favorite. They are so elegant and long-lasting. I’ve always embraced the European tradition of giving flowers, too. Everyone is excited to be given flowers,” says Montgomery.
Royal Anthos has secured a European Union grant, underlining their efforts to expand the use and sales of European bulbs in the U.S. market. The program is backed by a substantial budget of €1.9 million, with the EU grant funding 80%. Members of Royal Anthos are committed to supporting the initiative by contributing 20% of the remaining finances. This is the second grant Royal Anthos has secured from the EU for this purpose.
Attributes of Long-lasting Lilies:
- American grown
- Always available and appropriate
- Can be purchased to bloom in succession
- Easy to grow
- Frozen bulbs allow for Mother’s Day crop
- Long vase life
- Pollenless varieties available
- Year-round availability
