If you want to bring elegant, colorful blooms to your garden, learning how to grow lilies is a perfect place to start. These stunning flowers are surprisingly easy to care for with the right know-how.
This guide walks you through everything from choosing bulbs to keeping your lilies healthy year after year. You’ll find that a little effort gives you spectacular results.
How To Grow Lilies
Lilies grow from bulbs, which are their storage organs. The key to success is planting them correctly and in a spot they’ll love. They come in many types, including Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet lilies, each with its own charm.
Most lilies are very hardy and will return reliably each summer. Let’s get your garden ready for these beautiful flowers.
Choosing Your Lily Bulbs
Start with healthy, firm bulbs from a reputable supplier. Avoid any that are soft, moldy, or have significant damage. Larger bulbs often produce stronger stems and more flowers in their first year.
Think about what you want:
- Asiatic Lilies: Bloom early, bright colors, easy to grow.
- Oriental Lilies: Bloom later, famous for their intense fragrance.
- Trumpet Lilies: Tall with large, trumpet-shaped flowers.
When and Where to Plant
The best time to plant lily bulbs is in the fall or early spring. Fall planting allows the roots to establish before winter. If you plant in spring, do it as soon as the soil is workable.
Location is crucial. Lilies need:
- Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. They hate soggy feet.
- Space: Good air circulation to prevent disease.
Preparing Your Planting Site
First, loosen the soil about 12-15 inches deep. If you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to amend it. Mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
A simple test is to dig a hole and fill it with water. If it drains away within an hour, you’re good. If it sits longer, add more organic matter.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for the best start.
- Dig the Hole: Make it three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For most lilies, this is about 6-8 inches deep.
- Add Fertilizer: Place a small handful of bulb fertilizer or bone meal in the bottom of the hole and cover lightly with soil.
- Position the Bulb: Set the bulb in the hole with its pointed end facing up. The roots go on the bottom.
- Spacing: Space bulbs about 8-12 inches apart so they have room to multiply.
- Cover and Water: Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Caring for Your Growing Lilies
Once planted, lilies require minimal but consistent care.
Watering and Feeding
Water your lilies regularly, especially during dry spells in the spring and summer. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Its best to water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry.
Feed your lilies with a balanced liquid fertilizer when shoots emerge in spring, and again as the flower buds are forming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
Mulching and Staking
A 2-inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Use compost, bark chips, or shredded leaves.
Tall lily varieties often need support. Place a stake near the stem when the plant is still young and tie the stem to it loosely as it grows.
Deadheading and Pruning
After a lily flower fades, snip it off to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Do not remove the leaves or stem! The green foliage is gathering energy for next year’s bloom.
Let the stem turn yellow and brown naturally in the fall before cutting it down to ground level.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lilies are generally pest-resistant, but a few issues can pop up.
- Red Lily Beetle: Hand-pick these bright red beetles and their larvae off plants. They can be very destructive if left unchecked.
- Aphids: Spray them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Botrytis (Gray Mold): This fungal disease appears in wet weather. Ensure good spacing and air flow, and avoid overhead watering.
Overwintering and Dividing Lilies
Lily bulbs are hardy and can stay in the ground over winter in most climates. A good layer of mulch after the ground freezes provides extra protection.
Every 3-4 years, your lily clumps may become overcrowded. You’ll notice smaller flowers. This means it’s time to divide them.
- Lift the clump carefully with a garden fork in the fall.
- Gently separate the individual bulbs.
- Replant the healthiest bulbs immediately at the proper depth in a new or amended location.
Growing Lilies in Pots
Lilies grow wonderfully in containers! Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Use a good quality potting mix.
Plant bulbs slightly closer together for a full display. Water potted lilies more frequently, as containers dry out faster. You may need to stake them as well, since they have less support.
FAQ: Your Lily Questions Answered
How long do lilies take to grow?
If planted in spring, lilies often bloom in 8-10 weeks. Fall-planted bulbs will bloom the following summer.
Can I grow lilies from seed?
Yes, but it’s a slow process taking several years to bloom. Most gardeners find it easier and faster to grow lilies from bulbs.
Why are my lily buds falling off?
This can be caused by extreme stress, like drought or a sudden temperature change. Consistent watering and shelter from strong winds can help prevent bud drop.
Are lilies perennials?
Yes, lilies are perennial flowers. With proper care, they will return and multiply for many years in your garden.
What should I plant with lilies?
Good companions include low-growing plants that shade the lily’s roots, like catmint or geraniums. Avoid planting them with large, aggressive shrubs that will compete for nutrients.
Growing lilies brings a touch of majesty to any outdoor space. By following these simple steps—choosing good bulbs, planting at the right depth, and providing basic care—you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking blooms season after season. Their elegance and fragrance make all the effort truly worthwhile.