When To Fertilize Lilies

Knowing when to fertilize lilies is the single most important factor for getting those stunning, healthy blooms you dream of. Get the timing right, and your garden will be filled with vibrant color and robust plants all season long.

This guide cuts straight to the chase. We’ll cover the essential feeding schedule for different lily types, the best products to use, and simple steps to follow. You’ll learn how to support your lilies from the first green shoots to the last magnificent flower.

Feeding your lilies isn’t a one-time event. It’s a seasonal cycle that supports their growth phases. The goal is to give them nutrients when they are actively growing and forming next year’s flowers.

Missing a key feeding can lead to weak stems, fewer blooms, and plants that struggle to come back strong. But don’t worry, the schedule is straightforward once you know the basics.

The Essential Fertilizing Schedule

Most lilies benefit from three main feedings per year. This schedule supports spring growth, summer blooming, and post-bloom recovery for the bulb.

Early Spring (As Shoots Emerge): This is your first and most crucial feeding. It fuels the rapid stem and leaf growth that happens in spring.
Early Summer (As Buds Form): A second feeding just as flower buds are developing provides extra energy for producing large, lasting blooms.
Late Summer / Early Fall (After Blooming): This final feeding is often forgotten but is vital. It helps the bulb store energy for next year’s growth.

Spring: The Growth Boost

Apply fertilizer as soon as you see new shoots poking through the soil, usually when temperatures are consistently mild. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one slightly higher in nitrogen. This encourages strong, green foliage which is the engine for the whole plant.

Water the soil well before and after applying fertilizer. This prevents root burn and helps move the nutrients down to where the roots can access them. A good spring start sets the stage for everything that follows.

Summer: Supporting Big Blooms

When buds are visible but haven’t yet opened, it’s time for the second feeding. Switch to a fertilizer that has more phosphorus (the middle number on the package). Phosphorus is key for flower development and root strength.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers at this stage, as they can promote more leaves at the expense of your flowers. A liquid fertilizer works quickly here, giving the plant a direct boost right when it needs it most.

Fall: Building for Next Year

After the petals fall, your lily’s work isn’t done. The plant is now sending energy down to the bulb. A light feeding with a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer helps with this process and improves winter hardiness.

Do this about 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost. Never fertilize very late in fall, as it can stimulate tender new growth that will be killed by cold. This step ensures a vigorous plant next spring.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Walking down the garden center aisle can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown of what works best for lilies.

Balanced Granular (e.g., 10-10-10): Excellent for the spring and fall feedings. Look for a slow-release formula that feeds the plant gradually.
Bloom Booster Formulas (e.g., 5-10-10): Perfect for the summer feeding to encourage bigger, better flowers.
Organic Options: Well-rotted compost, bone meal (for phosphorus), and kelp meal are fantastic natural choices. They improve soil structure as they feed.

Avoid over-fertilizing. More is not better and can actually harm the roots and reduce flowering. Always follow the package directions for application rates.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Fertilizer

Doing it correctly protects your plant and makes the fertilizer effective.

Water First: Always moisten the soil around your lilies a day before or a few hours before fertilizing.
Measure Carefully: Use the amount recommended on the label for bulb plants. You can use a small cup or hand trowel to measure.
Apply Evenly: Sprinkle granular fertilizer in a circle around the plant stem, starting a few inches away. Avoid letting it touch the stem or leaves directly.
Gently Work It In: Lightly scratch the fertilizer into the top inch of soil with a hand fork or your fingers.
Water Deeply: Give the area a thorough watering to wash the nutrients into the root zone.

Special Notes for Different Lily Types

While the general schedule applies to most, some lilies have slighty different needs.

Asiatic and Oriental Lilies

These common garden lilies follow the standard three-feeding schedule perfectly. They are heavy feeders because they put so much energy into their showy flowers. A consistent feeding routine gives you the best results with these.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Though not true lilies, they are often grouped together. Daylilies are very tough but bloom better with fertilizer. Feed them in early spring as growth resumes and again after their first major flush of flowers fades to encourage rebloom.

Container-Grown Lilies

Lilies in pots need more frequent feeding because nutrients leach out with watering. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, stopping about a month before winter dormancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Fertilizing at Planting: Never add strong fertilizer directly in the planting hole. It can burn new roots. Instead, mix compost into the native soil.
Feeding Too Late: Fertilizing in late fall or winter is pointless and potentially harmful. The plant is dormant and cannot use the nutrients.
Ignoring the Soil: Fertilizer isn’t a cure-all. If your soil is very poor or dense, amend it with compost to improve its overall health.
Overdoing It: Signs of over-fertilization include yellowing leaves, brown leaf tips, and lots of foliage with few flowers. If you see this, stop feeding and leach the soil with water.

FAQ: Your Lily Fertilizing Questions Answered

What is the best month to fertilize lilies?
The key months are early spring (April-May), early summer (June), and late summer/early fall (August-September). Adjust based on your local climate.

Can I use tomato feed on lilies?
Yes, tomato fertilizer is often high in potassium and phosphorus, making it a good choice for the summer bud-feeding stage to support flowers.

How often should you feed lilies?
Stick to the main three times per year for in-ground lilies. Potted lilies need more frequent, lighter feedings throughout the growing season.

Is bone meal good for lilies?
Bone meal is an excellent organic source of phosphorus. It’s great to mix into the soil at planting or use as part of your summer feeding routine.

Should you fertilize lilies after they bloom?
Absolutely. This late-season feeding is crucial for the bulb to store energy. It directly impacts the health and quantity of next year’s blooms.

Getting the timing right for feeding your lilies is simple with this plan. By providing nutrients at these three critical moments, you give your plants everything they need to produce those spectacular, healthy blooms season after season. Consistent care is the secret to a breathtaking lily display.