If you’re planting lilies, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, how long do lilies take to bloom? Knowing the blooming time for lilies helps you plan your garden for continuous color. The answer isn’t the same for every bulb, but with a little know-how, you can predict their stunning display.
Most lily bulbs will send up their flower stalks and open their blooms within 90 to 120 days after spring planting. However, this timeline depends heavily on the type of lily, when you planted it, and the conditions you provide. Let’s break down what you can expect so you’re not left waiting and wondering.
How Long Do Lilies Take To Bloom – Blooming Time For Lilies
This core timeline of 90 to 120 days is a reliable rule of thumb for gardeners. Think of it as roughly three to four months from the time the green shoot emerges from the soil to the day the first flower unfurls. This period covers the crucial growth stages: leaf development, stem elongation, bud formation, and finally, the bloom itself.
It’s important to remember that this countdown starts with active growth, not necessarily the day you plant. A bulb planted in fall will use the cold winter to establish roots and then begin its 90-120 day journey in spring. A bulb planted in spring starts the clock almost immediately once it warms up.
The Major Lily Types and Their Schedules
Not all lilies bloom on the exact same schedule. They are categorized into divisions, and their genetics influence their flowering time.
- Asiatic Lilies: These are the earliest bloomers, often flowering in early to midsummer. They typically take the shorter end of the range, around 70 to 90 days after growth begins. They don’t have a fragrance, but they come in the brightest colors.
- Oriental Lilies: These are the classic, highly fragrant lilies like ‘Stargazer.’ They bloom in mid to late summer, often taking a full 100 to 120 days. They prefer slightly more acidic soil than other types.
- Trumpet and Aurelian Lilies: These include the famous Easter lily. They usually bloom in midsummer, falling between Asiatics and Orientals in their timing, often around 100 days.
- Oriental-Trumpet (OT) Hybrids: These robust hybrids combine traits of both parents. They generally bloom in mid-summer and have a strong, sturdy growth habit.
- LA Hybrids (Longiflorum x Asiatic): These often bloom early to midsummer and are known for their large, upward-facing flowers.
Factors That Speed Up or Delay Blooming
Why do some lilies in your garden bloom weeks before others of the same type? Several environmental factors act as nature’s clock.
Sunlight Exposure
Lilies need 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily to bloom on time. More sun equals more energy, leading to faster, stronger growth and timely flowering. Lilies in partial shade will grow slower and may bloom later, with potentially weaker stems.
Soil Temperature
Warm soil wakes lily bulbs up. A cold, wet spring will significantly delay their emergence and push back the bloom time. Planting in a sunny, well-drained spot helps the soil warm faster. Using a dark mulch can also trap heat.
Bulb Size and Health
A large, plump, healthy bulb has more stored energy than a small or damaged one. It can produce a shoot faster and support the development of a flower stalk more readily. Always source firm, high-quality bulbs for the best results.
Weather and Climate
An unusually cool summer will slow growth, while a heatwave can sometimes accelerate it, though extreme heat can stress the plant. Your USDA Hardiness Zone sets the overall growing season length, which affects whether lilies are treated as perennials or annuals.
Your Planting Time Makes a Big Difference
When you put the bulb in the ground is the biggest factor you control. It sets the entire growing cycle in motion.
- Fall Planting (Best for Perennializing): Bulbs planted in autumn develop roots before the ground freezes. When spring arrives, they are ready to rock and will often bloom right on schedule in early to midsummer. This is the ideal method for most gardeners.
- Spring Planting: Bulbs planted in spring need time to settle in, root, and then begin top growth. They will bloom later in the summer, sometimes as late as early fall, depending on your zone. Their first-year bloom time might be slightly later than the typical range.
- Summer Planting (Potted/Blooming): If you buy a potted lily already in bloom from a nursery, you can plant it in your garden. It will likely not re-bloom that same year but will focus on storing energy for a bloom the following summer.
How to Encourage Timely and Abundant Blooms
Follow these steps to ensure your lilies don’t just bloom, but bloom spectacularly and on time.
- Plant at the Right Depth: A common mistake is planting too shallow. Bury bulbs about three times their height. For a 2-inch bulb, dig a 6-inch deep hole. This insulates them and supports the tall stem.
- Provide Excellent Drainage: Lily bulbs rot in soggy soil. Amend heavy clay with compost or grit. Consider planting in a raised bed if drainage is poor in your yard.
- Feed Them Properly: When shoots emerge, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 5-10-10). Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A second light feeding after blooming helps rebuild the bulb.
- Water Consistently: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the active growth and bud formation stages. About an inch of water per week is a good goal.
- Mulch the Soil: A 2-inch layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. It also helps regulate soil temperature.
Troubleshooting: When Lilies Are Late or Fail to Bloom
If your lilies are taking too long or show no signs of flowers, here’s what to check.
- Not Enough Sun: This is the number one cause. If they’re shaded by growing trees or shrubs, consider moving them to a sunnier location in the fall.
- Crowded Bulbs: Lilies multiply over time. Dense clumps compete for nutrients and light. Dig up and divide clusters every 3 to 4 years in the fall.
- Foliage Removed Too Early: Never cut back the leaves after blooming. The green foliage is photosynthesisizing and sending energy back to the bulb for next year’s flower. Let it die back naturally and turn yellow before removing.
- Animal or Pest Damage: Voles, rabbits, or lily leaf beetles can damage leaves and buds, setting back or ruining the bloom. Use appropriate deterrents or controls.
- Immature Bulbs: Very small, young bulbs or bulblets may need an extra year or two of growth before they are mature enough to produce a flower stalk.
Extending the Lily Blooming Season in Your Garden
You don’t have to settle for just two weeks of flowers. With smart planning, you can enjoy lilies from early summer into fall.
Mix different types of lilies in your beds. Start with early-flowering Asiatics, follow with Trumpets and OT Hybrids in mid-summer, and finish with fragrant Orientals in late summer. Some species lilies, like the Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium), also bloom later.
You can also stagger planting times for the same variety. Plant some bulbs in the fall and some in the spring to get blooms at slightly different times the following year. Remember, spring-planted bulbs will flower later than fall-planted ones of the same type.
FAQ: Your Lily Blooming Questions Answered
How long does it take for lilies to grow from bulb to flower?
From planting a dormant bulb in fall, you’ll see growth in spring and flowers in summer—about 9-10 months total. From spring planting, it’s typically 3-4 months to bloom.
Can I make my lilies bloom faster?
You can’t drastically speed up nature, but ensuring full sun, warm soil, adequate water, and proper fertilizer will help them grow at their optimal, fastest pace.
Why are my lilies growing but not blooming?
This is usually due to insufficient sunlight, overcrowded bulbs, or damage to the previous year’s foliage which weakened the bulb. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can also cause leafy growth without flowers.
Do lilies bloom in their first year?
Yes, a healthy, mature bulb planted in fall or spring should bloom in its first season. Small bulblets or damaged bulbs might need a year to establish first.
How long does a lily flower last once it opens?
Individual flowers on a stalk typically last about a week. By planting multiple bulbs and varieties, you can ensure a longer overall display in your garden as different plants come into bloom.
Understanding the blooming time for lilies takes the guesswork out of gardening. By choosing the right types and providing simple care, you can reliably enjoy their magnificent flowers. Pay attention to their needs, and they’ll reward you with a spectacular show season after season. With a little patience at the start, you’ll find the wait for those beautiful blooms is absolutely worth it.