When To Plant Lilies

Knowing when to plant lilies is the first step to growing these stunning flowers in your own garden. Get the timing right, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blooms. This guide will walk you through the perfect schedule for different lily types and climates, ensuring your planting is a success.

Lilies are surprisingly easy to grow if you start them off at the right moment. Planting at the optimal time gives the bulbs a chance to establish roots before they need to focus on flowering. Whether you have Asiatic, Oriental, or trumpet lilies, the principles are similar.

For most gardeners, the answer comes in two main seasons: fall and spring. The best choice for you depends on your local climate and the type of lily bulb you have purchased.

The Case for Fall Planting

Fall is often considered the ideal time for planting many lily bulbs, especially if you can buy them fresh in late summer or early autumn. Planting about 4 weeks before your first hard frost allows the bulb to put down strong roots in the cool soil. This gives them a head start for vigorous growth in the spring.

Bulbs establish roots in cool, moist soil.
They undergo a natural winter chilling period, which some types benefit from.
They are ready to sprout early once soil warms up.

The Practicality of Spring Planting

Spring planting is extremely common and successful, particularly for bulbs bought from garden centers or online in early spring. Plant them as soon as the ground is workable and the danger of a hard freeze has passed. The soil should be thawed and somewhat dry, not waterlogged.

Plant after the last frost date for your area.
This is often the only option for bulbs mail-ordered in spring.
It’s a good backup if you missed the fall window.

Understanding Your Lily Bulbs

Not all lily bulbs are the same. How they are packaged and sold gives you a big clue about the best planting time.

Fresh “Naked” Bulbs

These are bulbs sold loose, often in mesh bags, without soil. They are typically harvested in late summer. If you get these in early fall, plant them immediately. If they arrive in spring, plant them as soon as possible after the frost leaves.

Potted Pre-Grown Lilies

You can often find lilies already growing in pots at nurseries in late spring. These can be transplanted into your garden after purchase, but be careful not to disturb the roots to much. Water them well after planting.

Regional Planting Calendars

Your USDA Hardiness Zone is the best guide for fine-tuning your planting schedule. Here’s a general breakdown:

Zones 3-5 (Cold Winters)

Fall planting should be done in September or early October. Spring planting happens in May, after the last frost. A thick winter mulch is essential for fall-planted bulbs here.

Zones 6-8 (Moderate Winters)

This is prime lily-growing territory. Plant in October for fall, or in March/April for spring. The bulbs get a good chill without extreme cold.

Zones 9-10 (Warm Winters)

Spring planting is usually best. You can plant in January or February. Alternatively, you can chill bulbs in your refrigerator for 8-10 weeks before planting in late fall or early winter to simulate a cold period.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen your time, follow these steps for the best results.

Choose the Right Spot: Lilies need well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Good drainage is critical to prevent bulb rot.
Prepare the Soil: Dig the area to about 12 inches deep. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Avoid very heavy clay soils.
Plant at the Correct Depth: A good rule is to plant the bulb three times as deep as it is tall. For most lilies, this means a 4-6 inch hole. Place the bulb pointy-side up.
Spacing: Space bulbs about 8 to 12 inches apart. This gives them room to multiply and ensures good air circulation.
Water and Mulch: Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

What Happens If You Plant at the Wrong Time?

Lilies are resilient, but timing mistakes can cause problems.

Planted Too Late in Fall: If the ground freezes before roots develop, the bulb may heave out of the soil or rot.
Planted Too Early in Spring: A late freeze can damage new shoots. Wet, cold soil can also cause the bulb to decay.
Planted in Summer Heat: Bulbs can become stressed and fail to establish properly, leading to poor growth or no flowers the first year.

The good news is, a healthy bulb will often just wait it out. It might not bloom the first season if timing is off, but it will likely try again the next year if conditions improve.

Caring for Newly Planted Lilies

Your job isn’t over once the bulb is in the ground. A little care goes a long way.

Water regularly during the first growing season, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when shoots emerge in spring.
Stake tall varieties to prevent them from falling over in wind or rain.
Remove spent flowers, but let the stem and leaves die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year.

FAQ: Your Lily Planting Questions Answered

Can I plant lilies in the summer?

It’s not ideal. Summer heat stresses bulbs. If you must, plant potted lilies and keep them very well-watered, but expect them to focus on rooting rather than flowering that year.

How late is too late to plant lily bulbs in fall?

If the ground is frozen or consistently below 50°F, it’s to late. Aim to get them in at least a month before a hard freeze.

Can I plant lilies in containers?

Absolutely. Use a deep pot with drainage holes and quality potting mix. The same timing rules apply, but container soil freezes faster, so provide winter protection in cold zones.

My bulbs are sprouting in the bag. What should I do?

Plant them immediately, even if it’s not the perfect time. They are using there energy to grow; get them in soil so they can support that growth.

Do lilies need full sun?

They prefer at least 6 hours of direct sun. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from scorching.

Final Tips for Success

Always source bulbs from reputable suppliers to ensure they are healthy and disease-free. Label your plantings so you remember the varieties and timing. Most importantly, be patient. While some lilies may bloom in their first season, others might take a year to settle in before putting on their full show. With the right timing and care, your garden will be filled with magnificent lily blooms for years to come.