At Six Dutchess Farm in LaGrangeville, New York, lilies are not just a seasonal staple — they’re a symbol of a larger floral revival. The farm’s owners, Jennifer Kouvant and Hans Li, have cultivated a loyal following through their commitment to unique, sustainable, and aesthetically rich blooms, including a wide range of lilies that now take center stage through the summer and fall.
Their operation, spotlighted in The Flower Farmers, spans 12 acres and blends luxury floral crops, Gotland yarn, and farm-to-table goods. From early tulips to late-season dahlias, their calendar is filled with beautiful transitions — but lilies remain a particularly prized highlight.
Lily Season at Six Dutchess
The farm’s lily journey begins early each year. By late February, the couple plants lilies in crates, hoping to bring them to market by Mother’s Day. This year, the blooms came just 10 days later, hitting peak beauty by the end of May.
Early blooms are started indoors in a repurposed duck house, an insulated space also used for winter tulips. As weather warms, the crates are moved outdoors, then eventually into an unheated high tunnel for an extended harvest that runs through mid-November.
Growing Methods That Prioritize Beauty and Longevity
Unlike commercial farms that may rely on synthetic inputs, Six Dutchess takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach. Crate growing allows for easy transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, extending the season and protecting blooms from early frosts or summer heatwaves.
Their care shows in every bouquet — whether a single lily stem or a full market bunch, the flowers boast strong structure, vivid colors, and impressive vase life.
Three Ways They Sell Lilies at Market
Jennifer and Hans have fine-tuned their floral offerings to suit a diverse customer base:
-
Straight bunches of 3 or 5 stems — clean, bold, and elegant.
-
Mixed bunches — 3 lily stems paired with flowing fillers like coreopsis, agrostemma, or ornamental cress. These are bestsellers.
-
Mixed bouquets — featuring 1–2 lily stems as standout focal points, adding dramatic volume with just a few blooms.
Favorite Cultivars: Beauty with Purpose
Their list of favorite lilies includes:
-
Zelmira – A peach-toned, delicately scented lily with graceful form. A fan favorite across seasons.
-
Brindisi and Eyeliner – Unscented, simple lilies that pair beautifully in arrangements.
-
Orange Cocotte – A vibrant Asiatic hybrid spray lily, wildly popular with both designers and local shoppers.
These cultivars not only perform well under market conditions but also satisfy a range of customer preferences — including those with scent sensitivities or cultural aversions.
The Changing Perception of Lilies
Lilies have long carried mixed public perception — often tied to overpowering scents, funeral symbolism, or messy pollen drop. Jennifer and Hans admit they were once skeptical themselves.
“We pushed them away for years due to the aroma of traditional Oriental lilies,” they shared. “But hybridizers have transformed them.”
Today’s lilies come in unscented varieties, pollen-free hybrids, and striking color palettes, making them ideal for modern arrangements. They also perform exceptionally well in the summer heat, never wilting and boasting long shelf life — traits that benefit both florists and customers.
Who’s Buying Lilies?
While some in the 40s–50s age range remain hesitant due to past associations, Six Dutchess Farm sees growing interest from younger customers (20s and 30s) and older generations, who welcome the flower’s revival.
Interestingly, men are frequent buyers of lily bunches at market, pointing to the flower’s universal appeal across genders and cultures.
A Flower Worth Rediscovering
Jennifer and Hans are on a mission to lead what they call a “Lily Renaissance.” Their seasonal timeline — nearly seven months — allows them to showcase lilies from spring through fall, with vibrant tones that transition seamlessly from summer events to holiday arrangements.
“Lilies are the ultimate summer heat-lover,” they say. “They’re workhorses in the field and superstars in the vase.”
As floral trends evolve and new generations seek fresh takes on traditional favorites, Six Dutchess Farm’s lilies are winning hearts — and redefining what it means to be a summer diva in the world of blooms.
Leave a Reply