Make sure Easter lilies receive adequate nutrients

Univ. of Md. Ext. officials said Easter lily plants need fertilizing early in the crop cycle to produce vigorous plant with large, dark leaf size and to have vigorous stem expansion. They said calcium nitrate fertilizer should be applied at 300–400 parts per million regularly. Since dark weather can occur in January it may be difficult to make an adequate number of liquid fertilizer applications because the growing medium does not dry out quickly.
Extension officials said the best method to prevent nitrogen deficiency is to top dress with a controlled release fertilizer such as Osmocote. Some growers apply Nitroform at ½ teaspoon per 6-inch pot in mid-January, spreading it around the surface of medium. They often reapply the Nitroform in mid-February.
Growers should check the soluble salt levels weekly and should maintain around 1.5–2.0 micromohs per square centimeters using a 1:2 soil/water dilution method. This level will be slightly higher if using the pour-thru method.