If you have lilies growing in pots, knowing how to transplant lilies from pots is a key skill to keep them thriving. Moving them to a new pot or into your garden beds gives their roots fresh space to grow and ensures you’ll enjoy those beautiful blooms for seasons to come. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, making it easy even for beginner gardeners.
How to Transplant Lilies From Pots
Transplanting isn’t just about changing a plant’s location. For potted lilies, it’s a vital refresh. Over time, they exhaust the nutrients in their container soil and can become root-bound. By transplanting, you provide new, fertile ground, prevent overcrowding, and encourage healthier, more vigorous plants. The best times to do this are in the fall, after the foliage has died back, or in early spring before new growth emerges.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth and quick. You won’t need anything too fancy, just some basic gardening supplies. Having everything at hand means your lily’s roots won’t dry out while you search for that one missing item.
- A new, larger pot with excellent drainage holes or a prepared garden bed.
- Fresh, well-draining potting mix (for containers) or compost-amended garden soil.
- A hand trowel and a garden fork or small shovel.
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands.
- A watering can or hose with a gentle spray attachment.
- Pruning shears or sharp scissors.
- A piece of broken pottery or a coffee filter to cover pot drainage holes.
Step 1: Preparing the New Home
First, prepare the destination. This is crucial because you want to move the lily quickly from its old pot to its new home. If you’re using a new container, ensure it’s at least 2-3 inches wider and deeper than the current one. Cover the drainage hole with a pot shard or coffee filter to keep soil from washing out.
Fill the bottom third with your fresh potting mix. For a garden bed, choose a sunny to partly sunny location with good drainage. Dig a hole about twice as wide and a few inches deeper than the lily’s current pot, mixing some compost into the excavated soil.
Step 2: Removing the Lily from Its Current Pot
This step requires a gentle touch. Water the lily thoroughly a few hours before transplanting; moist soil holds together better. Turn the pot on its side and gently squeeze or tap the sides to loosen the root ball. Carefully slide the plant out, supporting the base of the stems.
If the plant is stuck, you can run a knife around the inside edge of the pot. Never pull hard on the stems. The goal is to get the root ball out intact, minimizing shock to the plant.
Step 3: Inspecting and Loosening the Roots
Once out, take a close look at the root system. Are roots circling densely around the outside? This is called being root-bound. Use your fingers to gently loosen these outer roots, teasing them apart. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil.
If the roots are very tight, you can make a few shallow vertical cuts with a clean knife. Also, this is a good time to check for any mushy or rotten bulbs or roots and trim them away with your shears. Healthy roots are firm and often white or light in color.
Step 4: Planting at the Correct Depth
Depth is critical for lilies. Most lily bulbs should be planted about three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For a potted lily you’re moving, you want to match its previous depth as a starting point. Place the lily in the center of the new pot or garden hole.
Adjust the soil underneath so the base of the stems sits at the correct level. The crown of the plant (where stems meet roots) should be just below the soil surface. In garden beds, planting a little deeper can provide extra winter protection in colder zones.
Step 5: Backfilling and Watering In
Hold the lily upright with one hand and use the other to fill in around the roots with soil. Gently firm the soil down to eliminate large air pockets, but don’t compact it too hard. Leave a small depression around the stem to help catch water.
Water deeply immediately after planting. This step, called “watering in,” helps settle the soil around the roots and provides essential moisture. Ensure the water soaks the entire root zone. You may need to add a bit more soil after watering if it settles significantly.
Step 6: Aftercare for Your Transplanted Lily
Your job isn’t quite done after planting. Place potted lilies in a sheltered spot for a week or two, out of strong direct sun and wind, to help them recover from the move. For garden-planted lilies, you can add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch like shredded bark around (not on top of) the stems to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Continue to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first few weeks. Avoid fertilizing right away; let the plant settle and establish new roots first. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once you see new growth emerging strongly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good guide, it’s easy to make a few slip-ups. Being aware of these common errors will set you up for success and ensure your lilies bounce back quickly.
- Choosing a pot with no drainage holes. Lilies hate sitting in waterlogged soil.
- Transplanting in the peak summer heat, which stresses the plant excessively.
- Planting too deep or too shallow, which can hinder flowering or cause stem rot.
- Using old, depleted garden soil in containers instead of fresh potting mix.
- Forgetting to water consistently during the initial recovery period. The soil should never dry out completely then.
When to Expect Results
Don’t worry if your lily looks a bit droopy or loses a few leaves after transplanting; this is normal transplant shock. With proper care, it should perk up within 1-2 weeks. If you transplant in the fall, you won’t see growth until spring. For spring transplants, you should see steady growth and your lilies should flower on their usual schedule, though the first year’s blooms might be slightly smaller.
FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered
Can I transplant lilies when they are in bloom?
It’s not recommended. Transplanting is stressful, and the plant’s energy is focused on flowering. You risk losing the blooms and weakening the bulb. It’s best to wait until the fall or early spring.
How often should I repot container lilies?
Generally, you should check potted lilies every 2 to 3 years. If you see roots growing out the drainage holes or the plant seems less vigorous despite feeding, it’s likely time for a larger pot.
Can I divide lilies when I transplant them from a pot?
Absolutely. If the clump is large and crowded, fall is a perfect time to gently separate the bulbs. Replant the divisions immediately at the proper depth, giving each one enough space.
My transplanted lily’s leaves are yellowing. What did I do wrong?
Some yellowing of older leaves is common due to shock. However, widespread yellowing could indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or planting too deep. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot or bed drains well.
What’s the best soil mix for lilies in pots?
A high-quality, general-purpose potting mix is fine. You can improve it by mixing in a handful of perlite or coarse sand to guarantee excellent drainage, which lilies really need to prevent bulb rot.
Transplanting your potted lilies is a straightforward task that pays off with healthier plants and spectacular flowers. By following these simple steps—preparing the new home, handling the roots with care, planting at the right depth, and providing good aftercare—you give your lilies the best chance to adapt and flourish. Remember, the ideal seasons are fall or early spring, and always ensure excellent drainage in their new location. With a little effort, you’ll enjoy the rewards of your work for many growing seasons to come.