Untreated flower bulbs Convallaria majalis size 1 (3210000) for individuals

Quick read / the essentials on our Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) bulbs

Known for its iconic spring blooms and inimitable fragrance, Convallaria majalis – better known as Lily of the Valley – is an integral part of French floral heritage. At Floriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Flower Bulbs , we support growers with a complete range, suitable for all growing methods: conventional, untreated, or certified organic. Drawing on our expertise and agronomic know-how, we offer professional-quality rhizomes, carefully calibrated, ready to plant to optimize your May Day campaigns. For all professionals looking for reliability and performance, buying Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) Bulbs from Floriverse means access to a secure network of specialized growers, decreasing prices according to volume, and personalized technical support. Our rhizomes – also called "pips" – are selected for their vigor, floral uniformity, and excellent recovery capacity. Thanks to our optimized logistics, delivery is made within 15 days throughout France. Choosing Floriverse means trusting a wholesale supplier specializing in flower bulbs that places customer support and product quality at the heart of its offering. Whether for planting in the ground, in pots, or forcing, buying Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) bulbs from Floriverse is the assurance of controlled yields and synchronous flowering, suitable for short supply chains and exports.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of Flower Bulbs , we make it a point of honor to select batches that meet the strictest standards of the professional market. For reliable, profitable cultivation that respects your technical itinerary, buying Convallaria (Lily of the Valley) Bulbs from Floriverse is a strategic choice.

We offer a wide range of Convallaria flower bulbs , also called lily of the valley , intended for professional floriculturists looking for quality, consistency and performance in forced cultivation or in open ground. Our references cover the three agronomic segments:

• Organic Convallaria flower bulbs : grown without synthetic inputs, for certified productions
• Untreated bulbs : no post-harvest treatment, ideal for natural routes or direct sales
• Conventional bulbs : from specialist nurseries guaranteeing size and uniformity

Each batch is checked to ensure regular calibration , impeccable health and uniform flowering , in line with the requirements of the May 1st market.

The lily-of-the-valley market, traditionally centered on May 1st, represents a historic pillar of French floriculture. However, the 2022–2025 data reveal a contrasting trend, marked by a decline in domestic demand and increased pressure on production costs.

In 2023, sales from French households reached 19.6 million euros , down 20% from 2022. In 2024, this trend continued with a figure of 19.4 million euros . The number of purchasing households fell from 1.7 million in 2023 to 1.3 million in 2024 , representing only 6% of French households.

Each year, around 60 million sprigs of lily of the valley are sold. The Nantes region accounts for 80% of national production . In 2023, arrivals fell drastically: -54% for cut lily of the valley, -47% for wild lily of the valley, -17% for potted lily of the valley. These declines can be explained by:

• Rising energy costs, particularly for heating greenhouses
• Unstable weather: mild winter followed by a cold April

The retail price is increasing: €7.10 per strand in 2022 , €7.80 in 2023 , with an estimate of between €8 and €8.50 in 2024. At Rungis, a bundle of 50 Nantes extra strands reaches €25 . The strands are negotiated between €0.30 and €0.45 for purchase, for resale between €2 and €3.

Florists will represent 42% of the market in 2024, compared to 29% for mass retailers and 10% for garden centers. Street sales will fall to 4%. This dynamic confirms the return of added value to specialized channels .

The conventional market dominates, structured around strict standards (14 to 20 bells, 25–30 cm stems). The organic segment , although a minority, is emerging as a high-value opportunity : certain varieties such as 'Doreen' or 'Prolificans' are suited to differentiated circuits.

• Energy optimization : use of less energy-intensive routes (semi-cold cultivation, staggered forcing)
• Varietal diversification : introduction of double or staggered flowering varieties
• Calendar control : extension of the marketing window to April–May

The sector employs around 6,000 people (2,000 on permanent contracts, 4,000 seasonal workers), highlighting the social stakes of this specialized crop.

As a specialist in flower bulbs , we support floriculturists with a clear, competitive and technically mastered offer.

• Convallaria flower bulbs at producer prices , from specialist nurseries
• Professional quality : floridity, homogeneity, excellent recovery rate
• Personalized quotes and responses within 48 hours thanks to our responsive sales department
• Careful delivery within 15 days during the season, throughout France
• Reservations can be made in advance to secure your critical volumes.
• Decreasing prices according to volume, adapted to intensive production
• Dedicated technical support , including technical itineraries and agronomic monitoring
• Free advice before ordering to adapt varieties and quantities to your growing plan

Our Convallaria flower bulbs delivered to your home are designed to optimize your floral campaigns. Thanks to a simple and fluid logistics approach , we are a reliable partner for your needs in selling Convallaria flower bulbs online and wholesale .

The full scientific name of this plant, essential in the French floral landscape, is Convallaria majalis . It belongs to the Genus Convallaria and the Species majalis, classified in the botanical Family Asparagaceae , more precisely in the subfamily Nolinoideae, a classification recognized according to APG III, the most recent classification. It is found under the alternative commercial and botanical names of muguet or lily of the valley.

Geographically, lily of the valley is native to the cool temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere . Its natural range extends over continental Europe (largely avoiding the Mediterranean and Atlantic margins), parts of temperate Asia, and even North America for some specific varieties such as C. majalis var. montana.

Its natural habitat is mainly in cool to temperate climates , characterized by cold winters that are essential to promote abundant flowering after a period of marked dormancy. The plant fears excessive drought and heat, which explains its natural absence in Mediterranean regions. It is typically found from sea level to about 1,500 meters above sea level , mainly in plains and low to mid-mountain areas where humidity is high and constant. It populates deciduous broadleaf forests (oak groves, beech groves, hornbeam groves), shady undergrowth, limestone plateaus, as well as cool, damp meadows at the edge of forests.

Regarding the soil, lily of the valley prefers rich, humus-rich, fresh to moderately moist, and above all well-drained substrates . It tolerates a wide range of pH, from 4.5 to 7.5 , and adapts to various soil textures (sandy, loamy, clayey) as long as it remains fresh. As an understory plant, its optimal exposure is full shade or partial shade , as it tolerates little or no prolonged direct sunlight. A cold winter period (stratification) is essential for dense flowering in spring, ideally when temperatures are between 10°C and 20°C . Soil moisture should be cool to moist, but never soggy.

Contrary to popular belief, Convallaria majalis does not develop from a tunic bulb, corm, or tuber. Its storage organ is an underground rhizome . This rhizome is elongated, horizontal, branched, fleshy, and ensures rapid vegetative multiplication and the annual formation of new shoots called "pips" or "claws." Technically, the rhizome is elongated, cylindrical (sometimes flattened), with a fleshy, firm texture. Its color varies from yellowish-white to light brown, sometimes with pinkish hues. Ready-to-plant rhizome fragments are usually 3 to 6 cm long and 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter . A "pip" (terminal bud) is about 2 to 4 cm high and 0.5 to 1 cm thick . These rhizomes are perennial and persist in the ground for several years, each rhizome producing new "pips" each year. On your specialist website, it is crucial to specify that it is "claws" or "pips" from rhizomes that are being sold, clearly indicating their dimensions and color, and emphasizing their suitability for professional planting.

Lily of the valley foliage consists of 2 to 3 leaves per plant , emerging in tight tufts around the flower stem. The leaves are lanceolate to elliptical in shape, typically 10 to 25 cm long and 2.5 to 7 cm wide . They are supple, slightly thick, with a smooth, glossy texture and a pronounced central vein. The color is a bright to medium green, consistent for the wild type. The foliage is deciduous, appearing in early spring (March-April) and persisting until late summer (August-September) before drying for the dormant period, a period of presence of 5 to 6 months .

The flowers, drooping and shaped like closed bells (campanulate) with six fused tepals, are carried by a floral stem 15 to 30 cm high . Each flower measures 5 to 10 mm in diameter . The dominant color is white, although there are rare varieties with pink flowers. A major asset is their powerful, very pleasant and sweet fragrance , sought after as a cut flower as well as in perfumery. Each floral stem generally bears a cluster (raceme) of 5 to 15 flowers .

Lily of the valley reaches an average height of 15 to 22 cm at maturity , with exceptional specimens reaching 30 to 50 cm in very favorable conditions. Its growth habit is described as bristly, with slightly arched flower stems. The broad basal leaves are erect to slightly spreading, contributing to its lush ground cover appearance.

In terms of its life cycle, lily of the valley is a perennial herbaceous plant . This means that a single plant can live and produce flowers for many years. The plant forms colonies thanks to its rhizomes, which allow for natural expansion and regeneration. New "pips" emerge from the rhizomes each spring to produce new stems and leaves. After flowering in spring (mainly in May), the aerial part turns yellow and disappears in summer, while the plant prepares for the next cycle underground. A well-established plantation can remain in place for 20 to 50 years, or even longer , if the conditions are optimal (cool, humus-rich, shaded soil). Vegetative propagation by rhizomes ensures this sustainability over several decades.

Propagation of lily of the valley in professional cultivation is mainly based on rhizome division , which is the most effective method. Lily of the valley does not produce bulbils in the strict sense, but its rhizomes spread horizontally to form new pips. A mature plant can produce 3 to 5 new pips per year . Under optimal conditions, a colony can double its surface area every 2 to 3 years , with rhizomes extending 5 to 10 cm per year . The ideal period for division is autumn (September-October) or early spring (February-March). Reproduction by seed is possible but little used in commercial production due to its slowness (2 to 3 years before flowering), irregular germination requiring double dormancy, and a low success rate (around 30-40%).

For efficient professional production, plant the rhizomes 5 cm deep , spacing them 10 to 15 cm apart. Allow 20 to 25 "pips" per square meter for a dense planting. A well-established rhizome can produce 20 to 30 sprigs after 3 to 4 years . In intensive cultivation, 150 to 200 sprigs per square meter can be obtained after 3 years .

The ideal planting calendar for professionals is autumn (October to November) , allowing good root establishment for spring flowering. Spring planting (March to early April) is also possible, especially for forcing, but development may be less regular. It is crucial to plant when the soil temperature is stable above 5-7°C . The rhizomes should be buried 5 cm deep , with the tip flush with the surface. The recommended spacing is 8 to 10 cm between each claw for optimal development.

The optimal soil type for lily of the valley is loamy to humusy , rich in organic matter. It tolerates well-loosened clay-loam soils. Avoid heavy, compacted, or stony soils. The ideal pH is neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0 , although a slight deviation towards sub-acid (5.5) is tolerated if the soil is very humusy. A pH above 7.0 is not recommended. Drainage is essential: the soil should be fresh, slightly moist, but never soggy, as stagnant moisture encourages rot. A loose soil depth of at least 20 cm is recommended. If the soil is heavy, incorporate coarse sand or potting soil.

The optimal light exposure is partial shade to partial shade , protecting the plant from direct sunlight. A few hours of filtered light per day is beneficial for flowering. Too much shade is detrimental to flowering, but direct sunlight causes burns.

Water requirements vary depending on the growing cycle. During active growth (spring), keep the soil constantly fresh but not soggy, by watering regularly. During flowering, continue watering regularly to avoid water stress. After flowering, gradually reduce watering. During dormancy (autumn-winter), keep the substrate slightly moist. For professional irrigation, rainwater is preferable in pots; avoid stagnant water. A drip system and organic mulch (moss) can be useful.

When it comes to fertilizing, enrich the soil with leaf mold or well-rotted compost before planting. Adding compost in early spring will stimulate growth. A specific flowering plant fertilizer can be used in spring and summer to support flower development. Reduce fertilization after flowering. Avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen.

Lily of the valley is very hardy ( USDA zone 3-8 ), withstanding negative temperatures down to -20°C to -23.3°C . This tolerance allows it to be grown in most French regions. Mulching is highly recommended for professional cultivation. It helps retain moisture, protects against temperature fluctuations, limits weeds and protects exposed rhizomes from deep frost. An organic mulch (bark, dead leaves, mature compost) 5 to 8 cm thick is ideal, to be renewed in the fall. For young plantations or in very cold regions, a thicker mulch (8-10 cm) or a winter fleece can be useful. Even if hardy, a draining mulch is crucial on heavy soils to avoid stagnant water.

Routine maintenance of lily of the valley is relatively limited once well established. Manual weeding is recommended for the first 2 to 3 years until the colony is sufficiently dense. Removing faded flowers and leaves after flowering (late April-early May) is advised to avoid exhaustion and disease. Weekly watering ( 15-20 mm/week ) is necessary during dry periods. A complete fertilizer application can be useful in poor soil, but without excess. Lily of the valley does not require annual lifting, but renewal of plots may be necessary every 5 to 7 years by division of the rhizomes if vigor declines.

The main pests and diseases include nematodes (especially in greenhouses), the vine weevil and fungal diseases such as grey mold (Botrytis paeoniae) and anthracnose . Lily of the valley is rarely eaten by deer or rabbits due to its toxicity.

Prevention involves crop rotation (avoiding lily-of-the-valley plants and plants susceptible to the same soil diseases) and choosing healthy, well-drained soil. A 5- to 7-year rotation is recommended before replanting lily-of-the-valley on the same plot. During the intercropping period, favor non-host plants such as cereals or legumes. Aeration and moisture management limit fungi.

Curative measures include soil disinfection against nematodes, the use of entomopathogenic nematodes against vine weevil, and removal of diseased parts for fungal diseases. Botrytis can impact up to 30% of the greenhouse crop , nematodes 20 to 50% without treatment .

Lily of the valley has excellent naturalization capacity thanks to its creeping rhizomes, which quickly form dense colonies. One plant can cover 30 to 50 cm in 2 to 3 years , and planting 10 to 30 cm apart allows for a closed carpet in 2 to 4 years. Its hardiness and shade tolerance make it a plant suitable for shady landscaping such as beds and borders. Less common in rock gardens, it requires humid and shaded areas. Its ability to form a dense ground cover reduces the proliferation of weeds.

For communities and large public spaces, lily of the valley is suitable because it requires little maintenance once established. It is not very susceptible to diseases and pests (except excess humidity) and is resistant to drought in undergrowth. Its foliage is not eaten by deer. Its spring flowering provides high ornamental value and its dense foliage ensures a durable ground cover. A density of 8 to 10 plants/m² ensures coverage in 2 to 3 years. Its longevity is high, often more than 10 years on the same site. It offers a good ornamental/maintenance cost ratio and is environmentally friendly in shaded areas.

Lily of the valley is an entomophilous plant, attracting a variety of pollinating insects, including bees, bumblebees, and various flies. The strong fragrance of the flowers is the main attraction. Cross-pollination is essential for seed production ( 91% outcrossing rate ). Its appeal is greatest during flowering, from late April to early June.

After flowering, the ornamental interest lies mainly in its dense, bright green foliage, which persists for much of the summer. Some variegated varieties ('Albostriata') offer additional interest. The fruiting in the form of red berries in summer is decorative but beware: all parts of the lily of the valley, including leaves, flowers, stems, berries and rhizomes, are highly toxic to humans and animals due to the presence of cardiotoxic glycosides (including convallatoxin) and saponosides. Ingestion of only 5 berries or 2 leaves/stems can be potentially fatal in humans . A single sprig is enough to poison a small animal. Water from a vase containing lily of the valley is also dangerous. Symptoms include digestive, neurological and especially cardiac disorders. Lily of the valley is not strictly protected nationally in France, but local regulations may exist for wild harvesting. Handling and sale require clear information on this toxicity.

Landscape integration is successful with plants sharing the same requirements for fresh, humus-rich soil and shade, such as ornamental ferns (at 30-40 cm), hostas (at 50 cm), or hellebores . Early spring bulbs (daffodils, crocuses) planted above the claws offer a succession of flowering. Ground covers such as Asarum europaeum or Pachysandra terminalis are also compatible.

Lily of the valley lends itself well to forcing in a heated greenhouse or indoors for off-season flowering, which is a commercial asset. It requires partial shade conditions similar to its natural habitat. Forcing can be done without synthetic pesticides. Convallaria majalis requires specific vernalization , i.e. a cold period of 12 to 14 weeks at a temperature of 0 to 2°C to induce flowering. After this period, flowering appears in April-May. For growing in pots, plant 3 bulbs per pot for abundant and synchronized flowering. Growing in pots or under cover requires a fertile, humus-rich, acidic substrate ( pH 5.5-6.5 ), well-drained (add sand or perlite). Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist ( 50-70% of field capacity ), without excess water. The exposure must be shaded ( 10-20°C ), avoiding temperatures above 24°C which are harmful to flowering.

As a cut flower, lily of the valley has major advantages such as its powerful and inimitable fragrance , as well as its delicate appearance. However, it is limited by the length of its stems (generally 15-20 cm, or even 30 cm for certain cultivars such as 'Fortin'), their flexibility, and a moderate vase life ( 4 to 7 days ). The fragility of the bells requires careful handling. Cultivars such as 'Fortin' and 'De Nantes' are selected for their size and intensity of fragrance. Other notable cultivars include 'Prolificans' (dense flowers, up to 38 cm), 'Rosea' (pale pink flowers), 'Fortin's Giant' (larger, large flowers), and 'Hardwick Hall' (variegated foliage, more ornamental).

To assess the health of your crops, monitor the foliage (bright green, without premature yellowing), normal development according to the cycle (emergence in March, flowering in May), and flowering (number of bells, fragrance). A healthy rhizome is firm and well-developed. Signs of deficiencies (yellowing for nitrogen, brown edges for potassium) or stress (wilting from lack of water, burns from excess sun) should be a warning. Maintain a suitable soil pH and moisture.

Harvesting rhizomes (bulbs) is ideally done in late summer or early autumn , when the plant is dormant. Choose fleshy rhizomes of at least 6 to 7 cm with several buds. Clean them without washing them excessively. Store them in a cool ( 2 to 5°C ), dry but not drying place, away from light, in trays with a slightly damp substrate such as peat ( relative humidity 70-80% ). Storage can last 2 to 5 months . Avoid airtight plastic bags.

Regarding average yield, precise technical information per square meter or per bulb is unfortunately not available in the sources provided. It is recommended to consult chambers of agriculture, horticultural technical institutes, or professional associations for this data specific to cultivation in France.