Kesselring Lily SEEDS - Lilium kesselringianum

The Kesselring Lily (Lilium kesselringianum) is a rare and captivating Central Asian lily species native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and neighboring areas. This elegant lily produces stunning turk's-cap style flowers with recurved petals in shades of pale yellow to creamy white, often adorned with delicate purple or maroon spots and markings.

10 SEEDS

Growing 2-4 feet tall, this hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The gracefully nodding blooms appear in summer, creating a striking display with their distinctive recurved petals and spotted throats. The Kesselring Lily is a prized collector's specimen, bringing an exotic touch of Central Asian flora to rock gardens, alpine collections, and specialized perennial borders.

Key Features:

• Rare Central Asian lily species
• Turk's-cap flowers with recurved petals
• Pale yellow to creamy white with purple spots
• Grows 2-4 feet tall with multiple blooms
• Hardy perennial for zones 4-8
• Excellent for collectors and specialty gardens
• Blooms in summer with graceful nodding habit

How to Germinate Kesselring Lily Seeds:

Kesselring Lily seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate successfully:

1. Cold Stratification: Mix seeds with moist sand, peat, or vermiculite in a sealed plastic bag. Refrigerate at 35-40°F for 60-90 days to simulate winter conditions.
2. Sowing: After stratification, sow seeds on the surface of well-draining seed starting mix. Do not cover deeply—lightly press seeds into the surface as lily seeds need some light to germinate.
3. Temperature: Maintain soil temperature at 60-70°F. Avoid excessive heat.
4. Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist regularly to maintain humidity without saturating the medium.
5. Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 4-8 weeks after stratification, though some may take longer. Patience is essential.
6. Transplanting: Once seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves and are large enough to handle, carefully transplant to individual pots.
7. Growing On: Grow seedlings in pots for at least one full season before planting outdoors. Provide bright light and good air circulation.

Planting Tips: Plant bulblets in fall or early spring in well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil in full sun to partial shade. Space 12-18 inches apart. Kesselring Lilies may take 2-4 years to bloom from seed. Ideal for USDA zones 4-8. Provide excellent drainage and protect from excessive moisture in winter.