Orange lily ( FLOWERS Seed) Lilium bulbiferum ssp. croceum,

Lilium bulbiferum — Orange Lily, Fire Lily, or Tiger Lily — is a striking European wildflower perennial with upward-facing flowers ranging from deep red-orange to vivid orange, sprinkled with distinctive maroon freckles around the center. Named for the bulbils that dot its stems, it is similar in appearance to the tiger lily. L. bulbiferum var. croceum is the strongest grower and most floriferous; var. chaixii typically produces only one or two blooms but offsets more freely with baby bulbs. Plant in well-drained soil at least 4 inches deep. Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10.

Plant Highlights

• Upward-facing orange-to-red flowers with maroon freckles — bold, vivid European wildflower
• Named for stem bulbils — a natural propagation feature; related to tiger lily
• Var. croceum: strongest grower and heaviest bloomer | Var. chaixii: fewer blooms, more baby bulbs
• Plant at least 4 inches deep in well-drained soil
• USDA Zones 7–10

Germination Guide

Orange Lily seeds require a multi-stage temperature treatment for germination. This species shows delayed hypogeal germination — patience is essential:

1. Warm soak: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
2. Warm phase 1: Maintain at 65–74°F for 4 weeks. If no germination occurs, proceed to the next stage.
3. Cold phase: Move to 32–39°F for 6 weeks (cold stratification in moist medium in the refrigerator).
4. Germination phase: Move to 45–55°F — germination occurs over many weeks from this point.

Alternative protocol: Start with 90 days at 65°F (warm), then 4 weeks at 30–39°F (cold), then return to 65°F for leaf emergence.

Care Guide

Planting depth: At least 4 inches deep in well-drained soil.

Soil: Well-drained; lilies will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Propagation: Collect and replant stem bulbils for natural vegetative propagation in addition to seed.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Orange Lily, Fire Lily, Tiger Lily
• Botanical name: Lilium bulbiferum (var. croceum — strongest grower; var. chaixii — more bulbils)
• Family: Liliaceae
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native range: Europe (wildflower)
• Bloom: Red-orange to orange with maroon freckles; upward-facing
• USDA Zones: 7–10
• Planting depth: At least 4 inches | Soil: Well-drained
• Germination: Pre-soak 24 hrs + multi-stage warm/cold stratification required; delayed hypogeal germination