Learning how to transplant lilies is a simple way to multiply your blooms and keep your garden healthy. Whether your clumps are overgrown or you just want to move them to a sunnier spot, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Transplanting lilies at the right time and with the right technique gives them the best chance to thrive. You’ll be rewarded with vigorous growth and even more of those stunning flowers you love.
How To Transplant Lilies
The core process of moving lilies is straightforward. It centers on careful digging, gentle handling of the bulbs, and prompt replanting. Following a few key steps ensures success.
When is the Best Time to Transplant Lilies?
The ideal time is in the fall, after the foliage has turned yellow and died back. This means the plant is dormant and its energy is stored safely in the bulb.
- Fall (Best Choice): Aim for about 4-6 weeks before your ground freezes. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth.
- Early Spring (Second Best): You can transplant just as the new shoots are emerging from the soil, but be extremely careful not to damage them.
- Avoid Summer: Never transplant lilies when they are in active growth or bloom. This can fatally shock the plant.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies before you start makes the job smoother. You likely have most of these items already.
- A garden fork or spade
- Gardening gloves
- A sharp knife (cleaned with rubbing alcohol)
- Bucket or tarp
- Well-draining compost or aged manure
- Bone meal or bulb fertilizer
- Mulch (like straw or shredded leaves)
Choosing the Perfect New Location
Lilies need “head in the sun, feet in the shade.” This means they prefer full sun for at least 6 hours, but their roots stay cooler if shaded by low-growing plants or mulch.
Most importantly, the soil must drain well. Lilies bulbs will rot in soggy, waterlogged ground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raising the bed or amending it generously.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
Now, let’s get to the practical steps. Take your time, and handle the bulbs with care.
Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Hole
Dig the new hole first! A lily bulb left out of the ground too long can dry out. The hole should be about 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall.
For most lilies, this is 6 to 8 inches deep. Mix some compost and a handful of bone meal into the soil at the bottom of the hole.
Step 2: Carefully Dig Up the Lily Clump
Start digging about 6 inches away from the base of the stems to avoid slicing into the bulbs. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil in a circle around the clump.
Lift the entire clump out and place it on your tarp or in a bucket. Gently shake off excess soil so you can see the bulbs and their roots.
Step 3: Separate and Inspect the Bulbs
You’ll see a mother bulb and smaller bulblets attached. Gently pull them apart with your hands. Use the clean knife only if necessary to cut through stubborn connective tissue.
Discard any bulbs that are soft, mushy, or show signs of disease. Healthy bulbs are firm and have intact roots.
Step 4: Replant the Bulbs Promptly
Place each bulb in its prepared hole, pointy side up and roots spread out underneath. Cover with soil and firm it gently. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Space bulbs about 8 to 12 inches apart so they have room to grow over the next few seasons.
Step 5: Apply Mulch and Label
Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the planting area. This conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and protects against winter temperature swings.
It’s a good idea to label the spot, especially if transplanting in fall. This prevents you from accidentally digging there before they emerge in spring.
Aftercare for Transplanted Lilies
Your job isn’t quite done after planting. Proper aftercare ensures they establish well.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not wet) for the first few weeks, especially if fall is dry. In spring, continue regular watering.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or another dose of bone meal in early spring as growth appears.
- Staking: Tall varieties may need staking in their new location, as they won’t have the established root system for support right away.
- Patience: Sometimes, lilies transplanted in fall might skip blooming the following summer. They’re putting energy into root development. They should return to normal blooming the year after.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with care, sometimes issues arise. Here’s how to handle them.
Bulbs Look Dry or Wrinkled
If bulbs dried out during the process, soak them in lukewarm water for an hour or two before planting. This can help rehydrate them.
Transplant Shock (Drooping Leaves)
For spring-transplanted lilies, some drooping is normal. Ensure they have adequate water and shade them from intense afternoon sun for a week or two.
Pests and Diseases
Always inspect bulbs for the small red lily beetle or its larvae. Remove by hand. Good drainage is the best prevention for fungal bulb rot.
FAQ About Transplanting Lilies
Can you transplant lilies in the spring?
Yes, but it’s trickier. Do it as soon as shoots appear and be very careful not to break them. Fall is still the recommended time for the best results.
How often should lilies be divided?
Every 3 to 4 years, or when you notice the clump is overcrowded and flowering has diminished. Healthy clumps can often go longer.
Can you transplant lilies while they are blooming?
It is not advisable. You risk severing the bloom stalk and the plant will struggle to establish. It’s best to wait for dormancy.
How deep do you plant lily bulbs?
A good rule is to plant them 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For most, this means 6-8 inches deep, measured from the top of the bulb to the soil surface.
Do you need to cut back lilies before transplanting?
In fall, yes. Wait until the foliage has turned completely yellow or brown and can be easily pulled away. In spring, do not cut back the new green shoots.
Transplanting lilies is a rewarding garden task that ensures years of beautiful blooms. By choosing the right time, handling the bulbs gently, and giving them a good new home, you’ll keep your garden vibrant. With a little patience, your transplanted lilies will settle in and put on a spectacular show for seasons to come.