They are sterile to themselves, but their pollen can fertilize others, and as seen here other lillies can fertilize it allowing it to develop seed pods.

Hi Keith. Another Long Islander, oh boy! From what I know, most tiger lily's are triploid. There are some that are diploid. I would think that you would have a hard time getting anything on the triploid version but it would be a lot easier on the diploid version.

Joebass said:Hi Keith. Another Long Islander, oh boy! From what I know, most tiger lily's are triploid. There are some that are diploid. I would think that you would have a hard time getting anything on the triploid version but it would be a lot easier on the diploid version.

Only one pollen source worked I had 10 others fail so it wasn't too easy! How can I tell if its triploid or diploid, plant is very old over 20 years!

That one that worked, was the pollen plant a tetraploid?

keithp2012 said:How can I tell if its triploid or diploid, plant is very old over 20 years!

You've answered your own question and didn't even know it!
Twenty years ago, the diploid form would have been rare, and would not be available unless you knew someone, and certainly wouldn't ever be available at a local nursery or as a pass-around plant. So yours would be the triploid.

It's not that uncommon for triploids to produce seed pods. Getting viable seed is the next big hurdle, but not impossible. Be sure to plant all the chaff on this one.

I'd be interested to know what the "successful" pollen was, too.

The pollen is 'Landini'

I got the Tiger Lily to fertilize my Stargazer, yet stargazer lily pollen cannot fertilize tiger lily!