Buzz
Lilies are stunning flowers, known for their delightful fragrance, and are loved by gardeners, florists, and anyone who enjoys a pleasant scent or beauty. These flowers are resilient, easy to grow, and simple to care for. The following guide will show you how to plant lilies and help them thrive for years to come.
Steps
How to Plant Lilies
Choose a suitable location. The best option is a spot in your garden with good drainage and plenty of sunlight.
- To find a well-drained area, look for spots in your garden that dry out quickly after rain. If you don't have a specific location, plant the lilies on a slope so gravity can assist with water drainage.
- Select a spot that gets at least half a day of sunlight. If they spend too much time in the shade, the lilies will lean towards the sun and bend noticeably. The ideal spot would receive sunlight all day.
- Lily leaves are susceptible to spider mites if planted in less-than-ideal spots. While this fungus can benefit some types of wine grapes, it can restrict leaf growth and reduce the sugar needed to create new flower buds.
Plant the bulbs as soon as you bring them home. The lily bulbs are ready for planting at this stage and should be covered with a thin layer to prevent them from drying out.
- The sooner you plant the bulbs after bringing them home, the better the growth of the flowers. If you can't plant them immediately, store them in a cool, dark place (like your refrigerator, as long as the temperature is above freezing). This helps prevent the bulbs from sprouting, as once they sprout, immediate planting is required.
- Plant in the fall or early winter to allow the flowers to bloom in the spring. You can also plant in the spring for blooms later in the year. The flowers will bloom as usual the following spring.
Dig a hole. Lilies thrive in sunlight, but their bulbs need to be kept cool throughout the summer. Dig a hole approximately 10-15 cm deep, and remember, the deeper, the better. This not only protects the bulbs from the summer heat but also supports the stem’s growth.
- Plant at the proper spacing. If you’re planting multiple lilies, ensure they are spaced about 15 cm apart so they don’t shade each other.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, then sprinkle some bone meal before placing the lily bulb and covering it with soil.
- Water immediately to ensure the soil remains moist and encourage root development.
Apply a protective cover for the plant. If cold winter weather is approaching, place a protective layer over the plant to shield the young shoots.
- Trumpet lilies (Lilium) are particularly vulnerable to frost.
- Make sure the cover is free of snails, as they love munching on the young shoots of your lilies.
Proper Care for Lilies
Fertilize the plant with chemicals. Once the lily shoots begin to emerge, apply a balanced chemical fertilizer. Lilies are hardy and don’t require excessive feeding. In fact, over-fertilizing with nitrogen can weaken the roots and, in humid conditions, cause the bulbs to rot.
- Fertilize when the shoots first appear and then again about a month later.
Water the flowers only when necessary. Lilies generally don’t need a lot of water, so it’s best to water them only when required.
- Asian, Trumpet, and Orienpet lily varieties bloom well in hot and dry climates, as long as they receive sufficient water.
- Oriental lilies need watering throughout the summer, as they don’t bloom until August.
- Adding a protective layer to newly planted roots helps keep the bulbs cool during summer, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Protect the plants from freezing. During the winter months, cover the flower beds with straw or evergreen branches to protect the lily bulbs from frost.
Prune the lilies. During the blooming season, trim the faded flowers while leaving at least two-thirds of the stem intact to keep the plant healthy for many years to come.
Tips
- If brown spots appear on the leaves, the plant may be infested with spider mites, which thrive in cool and damp conditions. You can treat this by spraying rose fungicide on the leaves, which can be purchased at nurseries or garden stores.
- If you want to cut flowers, trim only one-third of the stem, leaving the majority of the stem intact to ensure the bulbs continue receiving nutrients and will provide a beautiful bloom next season.
- Lilies can be planted at any time of the year, as long as the soil is not too hard. The flowers may bloom a bit later in the first year, but in subsequent years, you can expect them to bloom around June.
- For optimal drainage, make raised flower beds with potting soil. The beds should be at least 13 cm higher than the surrounding ground and large enough for the flowers as described above. This is especially helpful if you plan to plant lilies in areas that don’t drain well or stay wet after rainfall.
Warning
- Regularly check for pests on the plant stems while the plant is growing. The new shoots, rich in nutrients, are vulnerable to insect attacks. If not carefully monitored, the lily plant may die before it even blooms.
What You Need
- Lily bulbs
- Garden shovel
- Protective plant cover (for cold weather)
- Fertilizer
- Potting soil (optional)
