Whether after overwintering or purchased at the garden center - lily bulbs must be planted correctly in order to sprout. Planting in a pot is not much different from planting in a bed. What needs to be taken into account?
How do I plant lily bulbs correctly?
To plant lily bulbs properly, you should start in spring (March to May), select plump and he althy bulbs, place them in a warm and bright location in well-drained, slightly alkaline to slightly acidic soil and at least 20 cm Leave space between the onions.
When is it time to plant the onions?
The planting time for lily bulbs begins in March. The onions should be in the ground by May at the latest. Otherwise you run the risk of not flowering.
In mild locations, the bulbs can alternatively be planted in autumn. But be careful: the Madonna lily and the Turk's-cuff lily are exceptions. In contrast to the other types of lilies, they are planted in late summer.
Which location and soil are suitable for the onions?
The bulbs should be planted in a warm and bright location. There they are perfectly stimulated to sprout. Later, it is important for the lilies to have a location where they have sun above (leaves and flowers) and shade below (root area).
The soil in which the bulbs are planted should be slightly alkaline to slightly acidic. Good drainage is important so that excess water can drain away unhindered. Other important aspects are:
- high nutrient content
- moderate to high humus content
- humid environment
How much space is left between each bulb?
Lily bulbs that are planted too close together have problems sprouting or developing into vital plants. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on a certain planting distance. Depending on the species and variety, the distance must be measured. The minimum dimension is 20 cm between the individual bulbs.
How do you plant?
Only plump and he althy-looking bulbs should be used for planting. Pay attention to this when purchasing! Otherwise it could be that the onions are affected by diseases, rot and do not sprout at all.
How to proceed:
- Dig a planting hole twice the size of the bulb
- loose up the soil
- Add some compost (€12.00 on Amazon)
- Put the onion in the planting hole
- Onion tip should face upwards
- Fill planting hole
- Press the soil firmly and water vigorously
- if applicable Apply a layer of bark mulch
Tips & Tricks
Before planting the onions, you can remove some of the onion scales. They are used to propagate lilies.
