Lilies (lis, lilium): Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How to plant lilies
Identify your lilies before planting: Lilium species do not all need the same depth or soil conditions. Choose healthy bulbs and avoid leaving them to dry out for a long time. Late summer or autumn suits many types when the soil is workable; bulbs available in spring can also be planted. Avoid frozen or persistently waterlogged ground.
Prepare a bright position sheltered from strong winds, with soil that retains some moisture during growth but allows excess water to drain. Light shade suits certain lilies. If the ground becomes waterlogged, choose a raised position or a well-drained container rather than a gravel-filled hole in impermeable soil.
For many stem-rooting lilies, planting depth is roughly two to three times the bulb's height, depending on soil and supplier instructions. Madonna lily, Lilium candidum, is an exception: its tip should be just below the surface. Do not apply the deep-planting rule to this species. Check the label when the identity or recommended depth is uncertain.
Position the roots without breaking them, backfill and water to settle soil around them. Mark each planting position to prevent accidental tool damage. In a pot, provide drainage holes and enough root space. Monitor moisture during establishment without keeping the compost saturated. Leave healthy leaves intact on growing plants.
When do lilies bloom?
