How to Grow Amazing Lilies

Your dream of growing lilies could wither away without proper knowledge of planting and caring for lilies. With over 30 years of gardening experience, I help gardeners plant beautiful blooms and nurture a thriving garden. With these simple steps and tips, you can learn how to grow lilies to transform your garden into a showcase of fragrant blooms.

Growing magnificent lilies begins with planting bulbs in well-decomposed soil under full sun, keeping them spaced 2 to 3 times their size apart with tips pointing upward. It also helps to maintain consistent moisture levels during the initial planting phase. Throughout the growing season, provide regular water, appropriate fertilization, and vigilant pest control to protect their stunning blooms.

From exotic-looking lilies to elegant white lilies, this comprehensive guide walks you through each critical step of growing lilies. I'm breaking down complex gardening techniques into simple, actionable steps to help you produce this bulbous plant.

3. Fill Loose Soil and Follow Watering Guidelines

Proper watering practices are fundamental to successfully growing lilies. These steps directly impact bulb establishment and root development.

• After filling in loose soil, soak the soil to eliminate air pockets. This promotes proper bulb-to-soil contact and moisture maintenance throughout the growing season without waterlogging.

• Once lilies reach their blooming stage, reduce the watering to allow natural foliage yellowing. This also marks the transition to the plant's dormant phase.

• For fall watering, water within the plant cells and surrounding soil to insulate bulbs from freezing temperatures during winter months.

• In regions without regular snowfall, consistently water lilies to maintain adequate moisture levels and protect the bulbs from potential frost damage.

4. Continue Providing Water and Nutrients

Lilies don't need to go through seed stratification, as they are very easy to grow and need little attention. Individual lily flowers maintain their beauty for two weeks or more, making them excellent long-lasting blooms in the garden or as cut flowers. However, they still need nutrients and water for current growth and future flowering.

• Lillies want regular moisture. Water as needed during the active growth periods. A good rule of thumb is around 1 inch of moisture every week.

• Provide a high-potassium organic fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season. Continue doing this until 5 to 6 weeks after the flowers have finished blooming.

• Give compost when planting new ones and each year in the spring when their leaves are just starting to pop through the soil. Top dressing most lily plants with good quality compost in spring is a good idea. 

• After lilies bloom, you can cut the spent bloom off, which helps put nutrients back into their bulbs rather than putting energy into the developing seed pod. 

• When the stalks turn brown or yellow, you can cut them completely level to the ground. Leaving the stalk green can help the lily bulb grow bigger as it produces the energy it needs from photosynthesis. 

5. Prevent Pest Infestation

Lastly, in caring for your lilies, you need to recognize pests that can bother them. Lily beetles are common lily pests, and left unmanaged, your entire lily collection can be destroyed. The larvae of these pests eat the stems, leaves, and blossoms, ultimately weakening them to the point of death.

• Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause brown or gray leaf spots during cool, wet weather. Improve air circulation, water at soil level, and remove badly affected foliage and fallen debris.

• Bulb rot: Soft, discolored, or foul-smelling bulbs may be rotting because of poor drainage or excessive moisture. Remove damaged bulbs and correct the drainage problem before replanting.

• Deer and rabbits: These animals may eat lily foliage, buds, and flowers. Fencing, mesh covers, and other physical barriers usually provide the most dependable protection.

Important Safety Note for Cat Owners

True lilies are highly toxic to cats. Eating any part of the plant, including petals, leaves, stems, bulbs, or pollen, or drinking water from a vase containing lilies can cause severe kidney injury.

Keep lilies out of homes and garden areas accessible to cats. If exposure is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.

What Is a Lily?

True lilies belong to the botanical genus Lilium. They exude beauty and an intensely fragrant aroma at the same time. When in full bloom, there is hardly a flower that can rival them.

True lilies are often sold by bulbs or by plants. The stem will sprout from the center of the lily bulb, and flowers will eventually develop. 

Each bulb is covered with overlapping scales. Bulbs do not have skins like tulips or daffodils because bulbs can dry out very quickly.

Lily Growing Stages at a Glance

This quick reference chart outlines the primary phases of growing lilies, from prepping fertile soil to end-of-season stem trimming. It gives gardeners a clear roadmap of essential care steps needed for healthy blooms year after year. 

Comparison Guide: Recommended Lily Varieties to Grow

It's hard to go wrong with any lilies. I recommend planting a few different types of lilies and paying attention to lily height. Usually, short lilies bloom first while taller lilies bloom later in the season.

Asiatic lilies are generally among the easiest choices for beginners. Oriental lilies are known for their large, fragrant flowers, while Trumpet and OT hybrids create taller displays. Martagon lilies are useful for cooler gardens and areas with partial shade.

It is hard to go wrong with any lilies. I recommend planting a few different types of lilies and paying attention to lily height. Usually, short lilies bloom first while taller lilies bloom later in the season. 

• Short Asiatic lilies: Tiny Shadow and Tiny Bee.

• Taller lilies: Tiger Lily, Casa Blanca Oriental Lily, or Claude Shride Martagon Lily. 

• Trumpet lilies: Honeymoon or Golden Splendour.

Ways to Divide Lilies

After a few seasons, you may notice your lily stems multiplying, which means your bulbs are growing bigger and multiplying. Some lilies require you to propagate them from one of the scales. However, most grow new bulbs and will produce their own lily stems after a couple of years.

• I like to lift lilies in early spring once they peak out or right after the stalks turn yellow or brown. This helps me avoid hurting the stem. 

• To lift your bulbs, carefully dig about 8 to 12 inches from your lily stem and remove the soil as you dig deeper. You can remove some soil closer to the stem as well. If the lily is actively growing, you don't want to hurt the stem, so take great care to get under the bulbs.

• Lift the bulb up and gently knock away any soil around the bulbs. At this point, you should see other bulbs that are close to your original bulb or may even be attached. 

• Most of the time, lilies are easily split. You can pull them apart with your hands or use shears or a garden knife. Then, simply replant the bulbs in your landscape. 

Best Time to Plant Lily Flowers

It's best to plant lily bulbs in either fall or spring, with most commercial bulbs available for spring planting. Most commercial bulbs from Holland are harvested late in the growing season, making timely fall planting challenging. Growers typically store harvested bulbs in coolers through winter before shipping them for spring planting opportunities.

• Aim to plant in early spring to have workable and well-drained soil. Enrich it with compost and leaf mold for optimal growth conditions.

• For fall planting, keep the bulbs in the ground at least four weeks before the first frost to encourage strong root development before winter freezing.

• Spring-planted lilies will produce lovely lily blooms in mid to late summer, offering gardeners reliable flowering timeframes.

• Consider early summer and late spring for planting lilies in containers.

Lily Planting Depth and Spacing Guide

Oriental, Trumpet, and OT hybrid lilies often produce additional roots along the buried part of the stem. Planting them slightly deeper can help support taller growth, provided the soil drains well.

FAQ

How to Prune Lilies?

To prune lilies, "deadhead" the yellow stalks just after the first frost. When cutting lilies, cut the flower stalk at the base of the plant to let the foliage dry out completely.

Should I Start My Lilies From Seeds or From Bulbs?

Compared to daffodils, where you can plant them pre-chilled, lilies can be started from seed, although most lilies are hybrids and you will get a lily that may not look like its parent. However, the most common way to grow lilies is by planting lily bulbs.

Do Lilies Grow Better in Pots or on the Ground?

While lilies can grow well in pots and on the ground, they tend to grow better when planted directly in the ground. Grounded soil provides more space for the roots. Still, it's a good option to use pots, particularly if you have limited garden space or your place has poor soil quality.

How Much Sun Do Lilies Need?

Most lilies grow and flower best with at least six hours of sunlight per day. Some varieties benefit from light afternoon shade in hot climates, while martagon lilies can grow well in partial shade.

Why Are My Lilies Falling Over?

Lilies may fall over because they are growing in too much shade, were planted too shallowly, have become top-heavy, or are exposed to strong wind. Plant bulbs at the recommended depth and stake taller varieties early.

Do Lilies Bloom During Their First Year?

Healthy, mature lily bulbs usually bloom during their first growing season. The plants may produce more stems and flowers during their second and third years as the bulbs become established.

Why Did My Lilies Produce Leaves but No Flowers?

Possible causes include insufficient sunlight, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, small or immature bulbs, overcrowding, poor drainage, or foliage being removed too early during the previous season.

Can I Grow a Lily From a Cut Flower Stem?

No. A cut flower stem doesn't contain the bulb needed to grow a new lily plant. Start with a healthy bulb, a potted lily, viable seed, or bulb scales prepared for propagation.

When Should I Cut Lilies for a Vase?

Cut lilies when the first bud begins to open while the remaining buds are still closed. Leave at least one-third of the stem and most of the foliage on the plant so the bulb can continue storing energy.

Are Lilies Safe Around Pets?

True lilies are highly toxic to cats and should be kept completely out of their reach. Dogs are less sensitive, although chewing the plant may still cause digestive upset.

How Often Should Lilies Be Divided?

Lilies generally need dividing only when the clump becomes crowded, often after three to five years. Reduced flowering, smaller blooms, or congested stems can indicate that division is needed.

What Should I Do if My Lily Bulbs Arrive While the Ground Is Frozen?

Plant the bulbs in deep containers filled with well-drained potting mix. Keep them in a cool, protected location with the soil only slightly moist until the outdoor ground can be worked.

Should Lilies Be Deadheaded?

Yes. Remove spent flowers to prevent seed production, but leave the green stems and leaves in place until they yellow naturally.

How Deep Should Lily Bulbs Be Planted?

Plant most lily bulbs at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb. Stem-rooting varieties, including many Oriental, Trumpet, and OT lilies, may benefit from being planted 6 to 8 inches deep in well-drained soil.

Final Thoughts

With this step-by-step guide on growing lilies, you'll enjoy months of spectacular lily blooms, creating an enchanting display that brings joy and beauty to your outdoor space. Visit Firefly Farm and Mercantile today to get started with premium lily bulbs and expert guidance that will set you on the path to growing the majestic lily garden you've always wanted.