The perennial lilies in this country can be reproduced around the world using various methods. It's not just sowing that hobby gardeners can do. In addition, propagation via onion scales and brooding onions is common.
How do I propagate a lily via bulbs?
To propagate lilies via bulbs, carefully dig up the bulbs and separate the scales. The scales can either be planted directly or lined with a moist substrate in a plastic bag to form daughter bulbs. Propagation via breeding bulbs is particularly possible with fire lilies and tiger lilies.
Propagation via onion scales
Propagation via the bulb scales of lilies is considered the easiest, fastest and most proven method. You can't go wrong here. The best time for this procedure is after the plant has flowered.
Dig up the onions and separate the segments
First, the bulbs are carefully dug up between September and October. The onion scales are broken off or cut off. At 20 °C, daughter bulbs form at the interfaces of the scales within 2 weeks.
The onion scales can be planted immediately after this procedure. A partially shaded to sunny spot in a sheltered location is ideal. Alternatively, a pot is suitable for growing lilies. Important: Keep the soil moist in the coming weeks.
Alternatively, the scales can be placed in a plastic bag along with a moist substrate. In a warm place, such as the living room, new onions will form over time at their broken points.
Propagation via bulbs
This method can be used primarily on fire lilies, tiger lilies and other Asian hybrids. These types of lilies form breeding bulbs. These are located in the leaf axils and at the base of the old flower stems.
The bulbs ripen in late summer and fall off when ripe. They are called stem bulbs or axillary bulbs. To get them to root, a light and well-drained substrate should be used.
Propagation by sowing
- difficult and tedious
- not all seeds germinate safely and at the same time
- can take years until the first flowering
- Seeds ripen in autumn
- sow in seed soil between January and February
- Soak in water beforehand (12 to 24 hours)
- are dark germs
- Keep soil moist
- Germination time: 2 weeks to 1 year
- plant from May
Tips & Tricks
If you want to be on the safe side and not get sick lilies from bulb propagation, you should treat the bulbs with a fungicide (€29.00 at Amazon) before planting.
