How to Grow and Care for Lilies

When to Plant Lilies

Plant lily bulbs in fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes, or in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

How to Plant Lilies

Propagation of the Asian lily is typically done through a process known as scaling, which involves separating the bulb scales from the basal plate of the plant. To do this, gently twist each scale until it breaks away at the base. Prepare a mixture of one part bleach to nine parts water, and let the scales soak in it for approximately five minutes to depopulate bacteria and fungi. Rinse afterwards and allow the scales to dry on a clean paper towel. While waiting for the scales to dry, prepare a blend of one part peat moss to one part vermiculite in a sealable bag. Introduce the scales to this mixture, then seal the bag securely. Store it in a cool, dark place and check periodically for mold. After about 6 weeks, you will start to see tiny bulblets forming at the base of each scale. Once these bulblets have three to four small roots, they are ready for planting. Prepare a bed of good quality soil where they will receive full day sun, accentuating proper drainage. Plant the bulblets 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart and just beneath the surface of the soil, roots facing downwards.

Lily Care

The Asian Lily requires well-drained, moderately moist soil with a slightly acidic pH, and prefers a spot with full to partial sun exposure. In spring, plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart and provide a slow-release granular fertilizer. Ensure regular watering but avoid oversaturating the soil, as this can cause bulb rot. Monitor the plant for pests and diseases including lily beetles, aphids, and botrytis, and use organic or chemical treatments if necessary. During summers, maintain consistent moisture levels and apply a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and conserve water. Deadhead spent flowers to direct the plant’s energy towards bulb growth, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies off. In autumn, cut back the yellow foliage to ground level and apply a layer of compost to provide nutrients for the next spring’s growth. It’s important to protect the plant in winter by applying a 4-6 inch layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from freezing. You may also lift the bulbs and store them in a frost-free environment until the next planting season if your winters are particularly harsh. Regularly rotate the planting spot every few seasons to prevent disease build-up.

Fertilizing Lilies

For optimal growth, fertilize Asian Lilies with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or a slightly higher phosphorus content, such as 5-10-5, to encourage flowering. Apply fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears, dispersing it evenly around the base while avoiding direct contact with the stems to prevent burning. Water thoroughly after application to help nutrients penetrate the soil. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer as this can promote foliage growth at the expense of bulb development. If grown in containers, a liquid fertilizer with the same NPK ratio applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season can be beneficial. Adapt fertilization frequency based on local climate conditions, reducing frequency in regions with rich, naturally fertile soil.

Pruning Lilies

To effectively prune your Asian Lily, it’s important to avoid conventional pruning methods as they aren’t ideal for this type of plant. Instead, deadheading, or removing spent blooms, is the most crucial care step, and should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to redirect energy back to the bulb for next year’s growth. Once the plant has bloomed and the flowers have faded, you should use sharp, clean shears to cut off the blooms. Timing is also vital: avoid pruning when the plant is actively growing or blooming, focusing instead on the post-bloom period. Care is needed while deadheading only to remove the flower and not any leaves or stalks, allowing photosynthesis to continue and energy to accumulate in the bulb. Finally, note that unlike many other plants, the Asian Lily requires its foliage to fully yellow before removing them at the ground level, generally in the late fall.

Lily Pests and Diseases

The Asian Lily can be subjected to several common pests and diseases. To identify and treat these adverse conditions, begin with a visual inspection for unusual leaf discoloration, which can signify the presence of virus-like Lily Disease. If found, remove and discard diseased bulbs to prevent spread. For visible pests such as aphids, beetles, and slugs, use organic methods such as neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or introducing predatory insects. If the infestation is advanced, consider chemical pesticides. Watch for the presence of fungal diseases like Botrytis blight or Basal Rot. The former shows up as spots on flowers and leaves, while the latter causes browning and wilting. Treat with a fungicide and improve aeration around the plant. Bulb nematodes may also plague your Asian Lily. These microscopic roundworms cause swollen growths and stunted plants. Unfortunately, infested bulbs will need to be discarded as nematodes are difficult to eliminate. Regularly monitor your plant for these issues, ensure good growing conditions, and promptly address any problems to maintain a healthy Asian Lily.