Lilies, which belong to the genus Lilium, flourish in the USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 9. These perennial plants, which are notably low-maintenance, are typically propagated using bulbs.
While it is not possible to propagate lilies from stem cuttings directly, they can develop from bulbils or small bulbs that form on the plant. Another method involves harvesting seeds to grow new lily plants, although this approach is considerably more time-consuming.
Gardening is an excellent hobby if you need to follow a healthful hobby after a cardiac emergency. Both younger and older people can grow lilies from bulbs or seeds successfully.
Dividing Bulbs for the Propagation of Lilies
As a lily plant grows, its main bulb slowly divides, forming new bulbs known as offsets. These offsets can be detached from the parent plant and nurtured separately to become new lilies. Over time, these offsets will further produce bulbils and bulbs, leading to dense groupings, or clumps of lily plants.
To separate these offsets or clumps, you should unearth the bulbs and carefully detach the bulblets using sanitized, finely-edged tools or simply by hand. Typically, for most growing zones, this propagation step is best performed during the fall, preferably in the earlier part of October or late September in the US.
Choosing an Ideal Location
It’s important to relocate your bulbs promptly, before they enter a dormant phase. Select a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon dappled shade. Plant your bulbs in soil that boasts good drainage to avert issues like root rot.
Enriching Soil with Bone Meal
Incorporating bone meal into the earth can prove beneficial for lily cultivation. Bone meal is a rich source of phosphorus, which promotes stronger and healthier growth in plants.
Amending Soil with Compost and Protective Mulch
It’s wise to use a soil testing kit, which you can acquire from local agricultural extension offices, to check the soil’s pH balance. Lily plants generally prefer soil that’s close to a neutral pH, of around 7.
For soil amendment, you might add ingredients like sand, humus, manure, or compost, especially if the soil lacks moisture. Integrate the organic matter well to boost the soil’s ability to retain moisture essential for the lily bulbs. Layer about 2 inches of mulch on top; this will keep the root system cool, which is conducive to growth.
Planting Your Lily Bulbs
A good practice is to plant your lily bulbs to a depth that is three times the height of the bulbs themselves. For instance, plant Asian lilies (Lilium auratum) at a depth around 4 inches, while the depth for Oriental lilies (Lilium orientalis) should be closer to 6 inches.
Always ensure the pointed end of the bulb is facing upward. Rather than spacing the bulbs for cut lilies in a single-file or too distantly, plant them in clusters to create lush clumps.
Watering Regimen for Your Planted Bulbs
Once planted, water your bulbs just enough to maintain moist soil, avoiding saturation, especially in zones where weekly rainfall is about one inch.
Nutrient Boost with Liquid Fertilizer
Every two weeks, from the time of planting until about six weeks after blooming, treat your lilies with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer.
Supporting Taller Lily Varieties
Among the tall-growing lilies suitable for cutting are Oriental types. For instance, hybrid ‘Black Beauties,’ a cross between Lilium henryi and Lilium speciosum, have been noted by the Missouri Botanical Garden for their potential to reach a towering 6 feet.
Meanwhile, common lily varieties, those typically featured in bouquets, stand at a more modest height between 2 and 4 feet. They may require staking for support.
Deadheading to Encourage Vigor
Regularly removing wilted lily flowers from your garden helps save the plants’ energy, redirecting it toward the production of new blooms rather than the development of seeds.
Sowing Lily Seeds
According to studies by North Dakota State University, growing lilies from seeds can be a drawn-out process, taking anywhere from two to six years before the plants mature and flower. Nevertheless, it’s possible to collect the dark, viable seeds from the spent pods after flowering.
In Conclusion
Growing lilies and other lilies is both enjoyable and fun. It’s an activity that is good for the heart and soul.
Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a writer from Tucson, AZ.
