How to Grow Lilies in Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

Lilies are beautiful perennial plants with underground bulbous roots, belonging to the Liliaceae family. They are cherished for their spectacular blooms and their ability to brighten up any garden. While some people may think lilies are difficult to grow, the truth is that with the right care, they can thrive in your garden. Hybrid lilies, in particular, are now very popular due to their increased cold hardiness, resistance to diseases, and their enhanced beauty.

Lilies come in a variety of flower shapes, including cup-shaped, bell-shaped, star-shaped, funnel-shaped, and even turban-like flowers. They bloom in a range of stunning colors such as red, white, yellow, carmine, pink, gold, purple, orange with spots, and tiger-patterned varieties. However, despite this diversity, blue lilies are still unavailable. The height of lilies varies by type, ranging from 40 cm to 150 cm or more. They have elegant, slender stems adorned with glossy leaves.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to plant, care for, and grow these stunning plants in your garden.

Lily Planting

1. Choosing the Right Location: Lilies prefer sunny spots that are sheltered from strong winds. Low-lying areas with stagnant moist air can lead to diseases like gray mold, so choose a well-ventilated area.

2. Soil Preparation: Lilies thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic to neutral soil. To prepare the soil, add 3 kg of compost, peat, or a universal soil substrate like Exo per square meter. You can also mix in 0.5 liters of wood ash or 3-4 tablespoons of dolomite lime, 1 tablespoon of urea, and superphosphate.

3. Planting Depth and Spacing: The planting hole should be about 20 cm deep. Make sure to mix the soil with a little sand and ground black or red pepper to protect the bulbs from rodents. The bulbs should be placed on a bed of sand and then covered with a well-prepared soil mixture. Ensure that bulbs are spaced at least 20 cm apart.

4. Bulb Selection: When purchasing bulbs, choose firm, plump, and undamaged ones. Avoid buying them too far in advance—ideally, purchase them just before planting. You can also use bulbs from plants that have been growing in the same spot for 3-4 years. These bulbs will have formed a cluster, and you can divide them to plant individually, giving each bulb the chance to grow strong and healthy.

5. When to Plant: Lilies can be planted in either spring or autumn. If planting in the fall, do so before October 20. The bulbs should be planted 18–20 cm deep for optimal growth.

Care for Lilies

Caring for lilies involves regular maintenance to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

1. Watering: Lilies need plenty of water, but they do not like to be watered overhead, as wet leaves can encourage diseases like gray mold. Water at the base of the plant to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. It’s also a good idea to mulch around the plants with compost or peat to retain moisture and prevent the soil from drying out.

2. Weeding and Soil Maintenance: Keep the area around the lilies free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients. Lilies have shallow roots, so it’s important to avoid disturbing the soil too much. Lightly till the soil around the plants to keep it loose and aerated.

3. Fertilizing: Lilies are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as the plants begin to grow, and another round of feeding when the buds begin to form. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, as it can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

4. Pruning and Deadheading: As the flowers fade, remove them to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from wasting energy. Cut the stems back to around one-third of their height after flowering, especially when cutting lilies for arrangements.

5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch (5–6 cm) around the plants in early spring to protect the bulbs and keep the soil temperature stable. This helps retain moisture and prevent the soil from overheating.

How Big Do Lilies Grow?

Lilies vary in height depending on the type. They can range from 40 cm to 150 cm, with some varieties growing even taller. The flower stalks are sturdy and can support large, vibrant flowers that measure between 5 cm and 20 cm in diameter. Dwarf varieties are perfect for borders and containers, while taller lilies make striking statements in flower beds.

How Long Do Lilies Bloom?

The blooming period of lilies varies depending on the variety, but most lilies bloom for 2 to 3 weeks. Early-blooming varieties will start in mid to late spring, while late-blooming varieties will bloom in early summer. Although the individual flowers last about 5-7 days, a well-established lily plant can bloom for several weeks, making it a long-lasting beauty in your garden.

When Do Lilies Bloom?

Lilies typically bloom in the late spring to early summer, depending on the type and climate. Early bloomers will start flowering in May, while late bloomers will open their blooms in late June or early July. To extend the flowering period, you can plant different lily varieties that bloom at different times.

Are Lilies Annual or Perennial?

Lilies are perennial plants, meaning they live for several years. Once planted, they will bloom every season and grow stronger each year. Some lilies, particularly hybrids, are more cold-hardy and disease-resistant, making them easier to care for and more reliable year after year.

Lily Types and Their Differences

There are many different types of lilies, each with unique characteristics and growing habits. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Asiatic Lilies: Known for their vibrant, often bright-colored flowers. These lilies are hardy, easy to grow, and have a compact shape.

• Oriental Lilies: These varieties have larger, highly fragrant flowers and bloom in late summer. They are perfect for cutting flowers.

• Trumpet Lilies: Tall, elegant lilies with large, trumpet-shaped blooms that have a strong fragrance.

• LA Hybrid Lilies: A cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum lilies, these hybrids are known for their large blooms, intense fragrance, and vibrant colors.

• Tiger Lilies: These have spotted or striped blooms, making them stand out in any garden.

Food for Lilies. Lily Fertilizers

Lilies are heavy feeders, so providing them with the right nutrients is essential for healthy growth and blooming.

1. Early Spring Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will encourage healthy growth and prepare the plant for flowering.

2. Mid-Season Fertilization: As the flowers begin to form, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to promote strong blooms. Use a liquid fertilizer for faster absorption.

3. Post-Blooming Care: After blooming, you can switch to a fertilizer rich in potassium to help the plant prepare for the winter and strengthen the bulb for next season’s growth.

By following these steps, you can enjoy beautiful, fragrant lilies in your garden year after year. With their stunning blooms and easy-to-care-for nature, lilies are a perfect addition to any flower bed or container garden.