Flower Delivery Sefton: Same Day

Lilies are one of those flowers that people either love or are terrified of. The pollen is what scares them. Orange powder on a white tablecloth, on clothes, on the cat. I get it. Removing the anthers does more than prevent stains though. It extends the life of the flower.

The science is straightforward. Once pollen makes contact with the stigma, the lily receives a chemical signal that pollination has occurred. That signal triggers senescence, which is the flower's way of shutting down and redirecting energy toward seed production. Remove the anthers before the pollen starts to shed and the lily keeps blooming. It stays open, waiting. You can add three or four extra days of vase life with a ten second job.

I remember a caller from somewhere near Parramatta who rang us years ago in the Pottsville office. She wanted to send lilies to her mum for her birthday but was worried about the pollen staining the carpet. I explained the anther trick and she went quiet for a second. Then she said, "So you're telling me I can have lilies AND keep my security deposit?" That became my go to explanation. Pinch the anthers off with a tissue as soon as the flower opens. Do not wait until the pollen starts to powder because by then it is already loose. Use gloves or tissue, not bare fingers. The stain from lily pollen is stubborn and heat sets it permanently. For anyone in Sefton ordering lilies, especially if they are going to someone near Chester Hill Road or around the station where a lot of our Sefton deliveries end up, pass that tip along to whoever receives them. It costs nothing and turns a five day flower into a nine day flower.