recent war, we obtained Easter Lilies for forcing mostly from Bermuda, Formosa and 
Japan. But during war, their importation was impossible. The small stock in America 
became immensely valuable. This pure white lily is traditionally associated with Easter. 
It is used on altars. It is given for presents. It belongs in our home on that date. Plants 
with a few lilies open sold for $5.00 or $10.00 easily one year, there were so few, and 
the next year there were none. 
A man named Croft found a few bulbs of a very sturdy, disease resistant, rapid 
multiplying type. Upon these as a foundation a new industry has arisen,—growing Easter 
Lilies in Oregon and No. Calif. or elsewhere. 
At first prices were fabulous and several growers became wealthy. Now prices have 
settled down to the pre-war level. Stocks are abundant. With the cooperation and 
support of the public we shall have better and healthier bulbs, at no greater cost and they 
are an American product. It is worth noting that many bulbs are being offered this year 
at low prices. A blooming size bulb may be so small that only one or a very few flowers 
will be produced. When you compare prices, compare sizes. Unfortunately few adver- 
tisers state exact sizes. We do. In addition we tell you how to force them and when to 
plant for Easter flowers; how to slow them down or hurry them up. 
How to Force Easter Lilies. Use clean pots. If new, soak them two days in a large 
container of water to remove chemicals. Use 6” or 7” pots. Read our general potting 
directions. The advised soil is 3 parts of rich sandy, fibrous loam. If humus is not 
abundant in this let it consist of the best sandy loam available about one half and fine 
screened and well rotted compost or leaf mould, one half. Peat may be used in place of 
compost but use only half as much, rub thru a fine screen, 4” mesh, and if previously 
rotted it will be better. To this three parts add one part well decayed cow or horse 
manure. Use no fresh or half decayed manure. Screen it well and thoroly mix with 
the soil. 
Pot the lilies as soon as received. Fill pots about half full of soil and place bulb in 
center. A half inch layer of fine sand or sandy loam in immediate contact with bulb, 
especially the base, is good practice. The pots are now placed in a cool situation under 
40° but not under 34°. In the north this may be in a cold frame, packed in sphagnum, 
straw or sand to surround and cover pots. A cold frame or box is also good in the 
south but the cool temperature is necessary. A box in a room or basement will do, if cool, 
or under the cool shade of a large tree. The bulbs will root readily, and the temperature 
must not be raised to more than about 40° until roots are abundant. But not too cold. 
This is a semi-tropical lily and they must not freeze. 
When brought into the house, the temperature should be 45° to 50° at night, not 
much over that in day time for 7 to 10 days. When top growth shows give 60° at night, 
70° in day time. It will require about 13 weeks at a temperature of 60° until flowers 
open. A little longer time must be allowed if dark or cloudy weather is expected. Longer 
days in south will slightly shorten the time. To retard or hasten bloom raise or lower 
temperature. But do not raise temperature to over 70°, just raise the average. Too warm 
a temperature results in poorer keeping qualities of the flowers. Do not try to retard until 
buds have lost their green color. Do not alternate retarding and advancing. When once 
retarded it is difficult to make them develop rapidly again. 
All this requires good judgment and experience only will develop this so that you 
may expect to be always able to have flowers on an exact date. Consulting experts or 
written authority will give you very little more help than you have here. Artificial light 
will hasten flowers a little but do not withhold day time light in order to retard. 
Potted lilies should not be given strong sunlight. Greenhouse glass should be shaded 
lightly. In the house a muslin curtain may sometimes be necessary but use it only to 
temper bright sun. Syringe the foliage of lilies on bright mornings. But never in the 
evening or on cloudy days. The water for syringing and watering should be warmed to 
70°. Good ventilation is important. 
Croft Lily. This lily makes a shorter stem and the flower head is more spreading. 
For this reason it is usually preferred for forcing in pots. Price, 7” circumference (nearly 
24%” diam.) 35c ea. 8” cir., 60c ea. 
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