Lilium longiflorum Thunb. cv `Nellie White' bulbs (17.7-20.3 cm circumference) were received immediately after harvesting from the field. Bulbs were placed in moist sphagnum peat in plastic bags to simulate a shipping crate and were placed in controlled environment chambers maintained at 10, 20 or 30C for 2 wks. Bulbs were then planted in soilless medium in a 15.2 cm pot and were placed into controlled environment chambers maintained at 10, 20, or 30C for root development for 2 weeks to yield 9 different shipping/rooting treatments. Potted bulbs were then vernalized for 6 weeks at 6C. Bulbs were then placed in a glasshouse maintained at 18 ± 2C under natural daylight. Data were collected on date of emergence, visible bud, and anthesis. Leaf and flower number were also collected. Time to emergence and visible bud increased as the shipping temperature which bulbs were exposed to increased. Bulbs which were exposed to 10C shipping and/or rooting environment had reduced leaf and flower number. Exposure of bulbs to 30C during the shipping treatment resulted in plants which appeared undercooled and/or unvernalized.