If you’re looking to add color and elegance to your garden, you need to know where to buy lilies. Finding the right source for these beautiful bulbs can make all the difference for your garden’s success. This guide will walk you through all your options, from local shops to online specialists, so you can make the best choice for your space and budget.
Where To Buy Lilies
Your first step is understanding the different places that sell lily bulbs and plants. Each source has its own advantages. The best choice for you depends on factors like timing, variety, and whether you prefer to see the product before you buy.
Local Garden Centers & Nurseries
For many gardeners, this is the most convienient option. You can see the plants or bulbs in person. Local nurseries often stock varieties that perform well in your specific climate zone.
- Pros: Immediate purchase, inspect quality, get local growing advice, support local business.
- Cons: Limited selection, seasonal availability, can be more expensive.
- Tip: Visit in early spring or fall for the best bulb selection. Ask staff about their favorite lilies for your area.
Big-Box Home Improvement Stores
Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s have large garden sections seasonally. They offer low prices and basic varieties.
- Pros: Low cost, convenient if you’re already shopping, often have sales.
- Cons: Bulbs may be stored in poor conditions, very limited selection, minimal expert advice.
- Tip: Check bulbs carefully. Avoid any that are soft, moldy, or already sprouting in the bag.
Online Bulb & Plant Retailers
This is where you’ll find the widest selection. Specialist online retailers offer hundreds of lily varieties you’ll never see locally.
- Pros: Huge variety, detailed descriptions and photos, direct-from-grower quality, shipped at correct planting time.
- Cons: Shipping costs, cannot inspect before buying, must plan ahead.
- Tip: Read customer reviews. Reputable sites will have plenty of photos and growing information.
Mail-Order Catalogs
Many specialty growers still produce beautiful print catalogs. They are a fantastic source of inspiration and information.
- Pros: Curated selections, excellent plant information, often feature new hybrids.
- Cons: Ordering process is slower, must wait for catalog delivery.
- Tip: Request catalogs in winter to plan your spring or fall orders.
Local Plant Sales & Swaps
Check for sales hosted by botanical gardens, horticultural societies, or master gardener groups. These are gems for finding unique plants.
- Pros: Often have rare or pass-along varieties, excellent prices, advice from expert growers.
- Cons: One-time events, can sell out quickly.
How to Choose a Reputable Seller
Not all sellers are equal. Follow these steps to ensure you get healthy, true-to-name lily bulbs.
- Check Reviews: Search for independent reviews online. Look for comments about bulb size, accuracy of the variety, and customer service.
- Examine Guarantees: A confident seller will offer a growth or satisfaction guarantee. Understand the terms before you buy.
- Assess Their Knowledge: Good sellers provide detailed planting zones, bloom times, height, and care instructions on their website or tags.
- Compare Bulb Sizes: In lilies, bigger bulbs usally mean stronger plants and more flowers the first year. Size grading should be listed (e.g., 16/18 cm circumference).
What to Look For When Buying
Whether you’re buying in person or online, knowing what to look for is key.
Buying Bulbs in Person:
- Bulbs should be firm and plump, not soft or shriveled.
- No signs of blue/green mold or deep damage.
- They should feel heavy for their size.
- Packages should be clean and dry.
Evaluating Online Listings:
- Listing should specify bulb size/grade.
- Clear photos of the flower and the bulb.
- Bloom time, height, and planting zone are clearly stated.
- Shipping schedule explains when bulbs will be dispatched (spring or fall).
Best Time to Buy Lily Bulbs
Timing your purchase correctly ensures you get the best selection and healthy bulbs.
- Fall: The primary planting time for most lilies. The best selection from online specialists is often in late summer for fall delivery.
- Early Spring: Many retailers sell lilies as potted plants or “green” bulbs in spring. This is a good option if you missed fall planting.
- Pre-Orders: For the rarest varieties, pre-ordering months in advance is often necessary. This guarantees your bulbs before they sell out.
Remember, lilies are perennials. Investing in quality bulbs from a good source means years of beauty, so its worth getting it right.
Caring for Lilies After You Buy Them
What you do after purchase is just as important. Here’s a quick guide.
- Plant Promptly: Plant bare bulbs as soon as possible after receipt. If you must wait, store them in a cool, dark place in slightly moist peat moss.
- Choose the Right Spot: Lilies need well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of sun. Good drainage is absolutly critical.
- Plant Deeply: Set bulbs 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. This provides stability and keeps roots cool.
- Water Wisely: Water thoroughly after planting. Then, provide consistent moisture during the growing season, avoiding wetting the foliage.
FAQ: Where to Buy Lilies
Q: Where is the cheapest place to buy lily bulbs?
A: Big-box stores often have the lowest upfront cost, but quality can vary. For value, consider online bulk offers from reputable growers in the off-season.
Q: Where can I buy rare or unusual lily varieties?
A. Specialty online retailers and mail-order catalogs are you’re best bet. They focus on hybridizing and often have exclusive collections.
Q: Where should I buy lilies for instant garden color?
A. Local garden centers in spring sell potted lilies already in growth. You can plant them right out into the garden for blooms that season.
Q: Is it safe to buy bulbs from online marketplaces?
A. Use caution. Buy from established sellers with strong ratings. Avoid deals that seem to good to be true, as bulbs may be mislabeled or poor quality.
Q: Where can I buy lilies that are guaranteed to grow in my area?
A. Your local independent nursery is the top choice. They select stock for your climate. Online, filter searches by your USDA hardiness zone.
Finding the perfect place to buy lilies sets the stage for a stunning garden display. By choosing a reputable source and selecting healthy bulbs, you’ll enjoy these magnificent flowers for many seasons to come. Start by checking a few local nurseries, then browse online specialists to see the full range of posibilities for your garden beds and borders.