What are these thingys?

I know I saw a reference to these somewhere here but didn't "file" the information in my head, nor do I remember what thread.

This is on an oriental lily. What are they, and what do I do with them?

bulbils - you can treat them like seed, I think. Let them fall or harvest and plant.

Cheri'

When are they likely to be "ripe"? Or should I put something under them to catch them when they do fall off? This lily is in a pot and I probably won't want more in or around where it is now.

Will the bulbils make a new plant next year, or do they take longer?

It will probably take 3-4 years before you will see a flower under good conditions.

They are ripe when they start falling off, and/or you notice little roots starting on them.

Thanks, everyone!

Some of mine from last year bloomed this year. Rather spindly, but still a bloom. Check out http://davesgarden.com/terms/go/133.html

Wow, I've never seen them do that before! What kind of lily is it?

That is wild. Pretty cool actually, kind of like that 2 or third baby that won't wait for term.

I lied! Amazing how time flies. Here is a photo of the bulbils that were harvested in late 2002. Still not bad for 2 years. I don't know a variety name, just one of a mixed bag of lily. The bulbil is reportedly promoted by stress, but I do not know what I did to make it generate so many 2 years ago. I saw none last year, or so far this year.

That's cool... Thanks!

Hmmm...and I was thinking I would have to pull them off and sow them to get them to germ/grow/sprout.

Just a thought here from someone who can't germinate and grow seeds to maturity:

Didn't Mothernature set things up so that seeds would spread and germinate on their own? And if she did this, why is it so difficult for me to grow from seeds?

PotEmUp, it that stress thing is true, that would explain what happened to mine. I got some tiger lilies in on a trade a couple months ago I think, very tall nice sized ones along with some seedlings. The tall ones are putting off bulbils and have now for the past 2 weeks. The plants themselves are looking a bit the worst for wear. Maybe they are experiencing some stress and the effort of making seeds is wearing them down?

Just a thought.

This lily makes many bulbils each year. i started with one bulb and now have at least 6 stands. Don't know what kind it is, mabe aurelian or tiger lily?

Not a tiger lily...the petals fold on them fold much further back..touching their stem.

Sure is pretty though! Love it!