Lilies, which belong to the genus Lilium, are plants that grow from bulbs. These bulbs have the ability to eventually develop into clusters of showy flowers of various shapes such as trumpets, bowls and bells. Lily bulbs are composed of overlapping, fleshy scales that lack a protective covering.
Location and Soils for Lilies
Select a spot that’s well-drained, receiving at least half a day’s worth of sunlight. Full sun is also fine and is best for mass plantings. Because lilies can contract the botrytis fungus causing spotted leaves in wet, cool weather, choose a location that can dry out quickly following a wet day.
Spots that are too shady result in stems stretching and leaning toward the sun. The most shade sensitive lilies are trumpet lilies. While the European lily does best planted in alkaline soil, the American lilies and those originating from Japan and Himalaya prefer acid soil.
Planting Depth for Lilies
- Plant bulbs about three times deeper than the size of their own depth, notes the Backyard Gardener. Plant them two inches deeper in sandy soil than you would plant in clay soils. Small lilies should be spaced six to seven inches apart, while larger ones should be one foot apart.
- Don’t cover Madonna lilies (L. candidum) with more than half an inch of soil over the tops of their bulbs. Cover other types with roughly three to four inches of soil. Larger bulbs need more a larger soil covering of four to six inches.
Time to Plant to Plant Lilies
- Planting bulbs in fall and early winter results in stems flowering at their expected time. On the other hand, planting them in late spring causes later flowering stems that can be shorter than normal if hot weather arrives quickly.
- Plant bulbs as soon as possible. Because bulbs never go completely dormant, they shouldn’t dry out before they’re planted. Plant any mail order bulbs quickly.
Considerations and Warnings
- Add a large amount of organic matter to a clay soil to form an elevated area that gives improved drainage. Provide organic matter into sandy, light soil so the soil can hold its nutrients and avoid drying out too quickly.
- The best way to ensure quick drainage is to plant bulbs on a slope. Mulching around stems or ground covers help ensure soil doesn’t wash away.
- Place gravel at the base of a bed if soil doesn’t drain well naturally. Ensure the soil is granular and well nourished with plant food nutrients.
- Mark bulbs with small stakes or a label for entire groups to avoid stepping on them. When they do emerge in spring they’re exceptionally brittle and can be easily hurt.
Storing Lily Bulbs
Store bulbs in a cool, but not frozen location, if you can’t plant them immediately. A refrigerator or garage is good for temporary storage. Try to keep bulbs in a dark area because being exposed to light can make them quickly sprout. Once they start to show sprouts they should be planted. Give lilies plenty of air around them and don’t crowd them.
When you take the time to select the right spots for your lilies, as well as plant them correctly and at the proper time you’ll be rewarded with these lovely flowers for many years. Besides enjoying them you can share your lilies with friends and neighbors, besides beautifying your home with cut flower arrangements.
Sources
University of Minnesota: Planting Lilies for Your Garden, Anne M. Hanchek and Jane E. Bolla (date accessed 2/19/2011).
The Lily Garden: Growing Lilies (date accessed 2/19/2011).
Lilies: Planting Lilies (date accessed 2/19/2011).
Backyard Gardener: How to Grow Lilies (date accessed 2/19/2011).
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
