LILIES - RHS Lily Group

Table 1: Albany Long-term Averages
92
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Mean Max (ºC) 22.8 22.9 22.2 20.8 18.5 16.5 15.7 16.2 17.2 18.4 20.3 21.9 19.5
Mean Min (ºC) 15.0 15.3 14.6 12.7 10.6 9.0 8.1 8.3 9.2 10.3 12.3 13.9 11.6
Mean Rain (mm) 23.6 23.1 38.3 68.8 119.2 132.7 143.9 127.1 101.5 80.0 43.5 29.5 931.0
Mean Rain (days) 7.7 7.5 10.9 14.0 18.3 20.2 21.5 21.1 18.4 16.5 12.3 9.4 177.6
The Western Australia lily market
Lilies in Western Australia are mostly all sold through a few wholesalers in Perth
and from there onto florists, although there are sales through supermarket chains
and an ever growing number of farmers markets selling direct to the public (we
are involved in two that give a wonderful opportunity to engage with our local
community).
By world standards, Western Australia is a relatively small market. Estimates
indicate the market takes around 4,000 bunches a week of asiatic and LA hybrid
lilies, and a smaller number of oriental lilies (about 3,000 bunches) and longiflorums
(perhaps less than 300 per week). The asiatic and LA hybrid lilies are usually put
into mixed bunches by florists while the orientals and longiflorums are generally
used for weddings or displays in restaurants, hotels, etc. The demand for asiatic
and LA hybrid lilies increases when other bright flowers such as gerberas are out
of season over winter, while oriental and longiflorums demand is higher during
the wedding season; spring through to early autumn. Demand for all flowers
increases for special occasions such as Mothers Day, Valentines Day and before
Christmas.
Lilies have a reasonable profit margin in Western Australia (much higher than
those grown in the Eastern States) and are relatively easy to grow in season
– especially asiatic and the LA hybrids lilies. The challenge is growing them all
year, especially orientals in winter.
Growing lilies in South Western Australia
Perhaps one of the greatest issues we have had as we built up our own skills
and re-established and developed effective business and horticultural processes
has been finding relevant advice. Being the only commercial lily farm outside
the Perth region, we have often felt like pioneers, finding out on many occasions