They are available in a wide variety of designs. Large or small, colorful or monochromatic - lilies have fundamentally similar requirements. All the important questions about planting these flowering wonders are answered here.

Lilies like it sunny

When is the best planting time?

There are many different species and varieties in the world of lilies. Not all are planted at the same time. Most representatives are best planted in the ground as bulbs in March.

The bulbs should be in their place by May at the latest. If you decide to buy plants from the garden center early, you should only plant them after the ice saints in May. Alternatively, the lilies can be planted in autumn. Above all, it is important that they do not have to endure the stress of planting in midsummer during the flowering period.

When are the exceptions planted?

The exceptions are these two species: the Madonna lily and the Turk's cap lily. Only in late summer (around August) is it time to plant them. Both the bulbs and pre-grown plants can be placed in the ground in the garden or in the pot at this time.

What characteristics should the site have?

Lilies are true children of the sun. But they need a cool foot to feel comfortable. Their roots are best kept in the shade. To ensure this, it is advisable to mulch the root area or underplant it with ground cover. Conventional bark mulch is suitable as a mulch layer.

The flowers of the lilies need the sun. Therefore, a full sun to sunny location (preferably sheltered from the wind) is important. A place in the penumbra forms the tolerance zone for lilies. There are fewer flowers. A location where the sun shines on the lilies both in the morning and in the afternoon is particularly recommended. At noon they should be kept out of direct sun.

What should the soil be like?

Basically, lilies are undemanding in terms of soil. They grow anywhere as long as the ground isn't soaking wet. It is therefore important to ensure that the subsoil is well drained. The soil should be loosened before planting. Furthermore, the following properties of the substrate are advantageous:

  • high nutrient and humus content
  • moderate sand content
  • slightly alkaline to slightly acidic pH value
  • humid environment

How much space should there be between plants?

Depending on which type of lily you plant, you should calculate the distance to other plants. Species that grow tall and wide, such as the Madonna lily, should be at least 1 m away from other plants. If you want to plant several lilies of the same species, a distance of 20 cm between them is sufficient.

Which propagation methods are recommended?

Propagating lilies is straightforward. They can be reproduced by dividing their roots or by seed. While dividing is easy and should be done in spring or fall, sowing is a little more involved.

How is the sowing done?

The seeds mature in autumn. If self-seeding is to be prevented, the seed heads should be cut off. Otherwise they can be left standing. Many types of lilies like to sow themselves, such as the well-known daylilies.

For controlled sowing, proceed as follows:

  • Soak seeds in water between February and March (3 days)
  • sow flat in seed compost (0.5 cm)
  • pour on
  • they germinate best at 20 to 23 °C
  • Germination time depending on the species: 4 to 30 days

When do lilies bloom?

Depending on the species, lilies bloom at different times. Some begin flowering in May. Most lilies bloom in July. Very few show their flowers between August and September, such as the 'Final Touch' daylily.

Which plant neighbors are suitable?

Many perennials and flowers are suitable as plant neighbors for lilies. Shade-giving ground covers are primarily suitable. They keep the base of the lilies shaded and cool. Also suitable are low perennials and annual summer flowers such as:

  • Sweet William
  • barbel
  • daisy
  • Verbena
  • fan flower
  • Nasturtium
  • marigold
  • cornflower
  • forget Me Not
  • pansies

How are the onions planted?

Before planting a lily bulb, you should dig a planting hole. A small hand shovel is sufficient for this. The hole should be twice the size of the onion. Then loosen the soil in the planting hole on all sides.

Now a mound is formed. Place the onion on top. Orient the onion with the tip facing up. You are welcome to add some rotted compost when the hole is filled with soil.

Finally, the soil is pressed and poured vigorously. Also in the following 2 weeks it is important to keep this soil moist so that the onion can sprout without any problems. If the lily has been planted correctly, there will be no need for time-consuming care work later on.

tips and tricks

Caution: Don't plant the roots too deep! If you do, the flowering time will most likely be delayed or will not flower at all.

Category:

Vegetable garden