They are available in a wide variety of designs. Whether large or small, colorful or monochromatic - lilies have fundamentally similar requirements. All important questions about planting these flowering wonders are answered here.
When and how should lilies be planted?
Lilies should be planted as bulbs in March in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly alkaline to slightly acidic pH. The location should be sunny and protected from the wind, while at the same time the roots should be kept cool and shady.
When is the best time to plant?
In the world of lilies there are numerous different species and varieties. Not all are planted at the same time. Most representatives are best planted in the ground as bulbs in March.
The onions should arrive in their location by May at the latest. If you decide to use pre-grown plants from the garden center, you should only plant them after the Ice Saints in May. Alternatively, the lilies can be planted in autumn. What's most important is that you don't have to endure the stress of planting in midsummer during the flowering period.
When will the exceptions be planted?
The exceptions are mainly these two species: the Madonna lily and the Turk's lily. Only in late summer (around August) is it time to plant them. Both the bulbs and early plants can be placed in the soil in the garden or in the pot at this time.
What features should the location have?
Lilies are true children of the sun. But they need cool feet to feel comfortable. It's best to keep your roots in the shade. To ensure this, it is advisable to mulch the root area or underplant it with ground cover. Conventional bark mulch (€14.00 on Amazon) is suitable as a mulching layer.
The lily flowers need the sun. Therefore, a full sun to sunny location (preferably sheltered from the wind) is important. A place in partial shade forms the tolerance zone for lilies. Fewer flowers form there. A location where the lilies get sun in both the morning and afternoon is particularly recommended. At midday they should be protected from direct sun.
What should the soil be like?
Basically, lilies are undemanding to the soil. They grow anywhere as long as the ground is not soaking wet. It is therefore important to ensure that the substrate is well-drained. The soil should be loosened before planting. The following properties of the substrate are also advantageous:
- high nutrient and humus content
- moderate sand content
- slightly alkaline to slightly acidic pH value
- humid environment
How much distance should there be between plants?
Depending on which type of lily you plant, you should calculate the distance to other plants. Tall and wide growing species such as the Madonna lily should be at least 1 m away from other plants. If you want to plant several lilies of the same species, a distance of 20 cm between them is sufficient.
Which propagation methods are recommended?
Propagate lilies is uncomplicated. They can be propagated by dividing their root or by sowing. While dividing is easy and should be done in spring or fall, sowing is a little more involved.
How is sowing done?
The seeds ripen in autumn. If self-seeding is to be prevented, the seed heads should be cut off. Otherwise they can be left standing. Many types of lilies like to sow themselves, such as the well-known daylilies.
For controlled sowing, proceed as follows:
- soak seeds in water between February and March (3 days)
- sow flat in seed soil (0.5 cm)
- pour on
- They germinate best at 20 to 23 °C
- Germination time depending on the species: 4 to 30 days
When do lilies bloom?
Depending on the species, lilies bloom at different times. Some bloom in May. Most lilies bloom in July. Very few show their flowers between August and September, such as the daylily 'Final Touch'.
Which plant neighbors are suitable?
Many perennials and flowers are suitable as plant neighbors for lilies. On the surface, shade-providing ground cover plants are suitable. They keep the base of the lilies shaded and cool. Low perennials and annual summer flowers such as:are also suitable.
- Carnations
- Barbeard
- Daisies
- Vervain
- Fan Flower
- Nasturtium
- Marigold
- Cornflower
- Forget-me-not
- Pansies
How are the bulbs planted?
Before planting a lily bulb, you should dig a planting hole. A small hand shovel is sufficient for this. The hole should be twice the size of the bulb. Then loosen the soil in the planting hole on all sides.
Now a mound is formed. Place the onion on top. Orient the onion with the tip facing upwards. You can add some rotted compost when filling the hole with soil.
Finally, the soil is pressed down and watered vigorously. It is also important to keep this soil moist in the following 2 weeks so that the onion can sprout without any problems. If the lily has been planted correctly, there will be no need for complex care later.
Tips & Tricks
Attention: Do not plant the roots too deep! If so, the flowering period will most likely be delayed or will not bloom at all.
