Can lilies be planted in the ground? What time is good?

Lilies are loved by flower lovers for their elegant posture and refined fragrance. Due to its high ornamental value, it is often one of the best choices for home potted plants . So can lilies be planted in the ground? What time is good? Let’s learn more about it below.

Can lilies be planted in the ground?

Lilies can be planted in the ground. Compared with potted plants, planting in the ground can provide a larger growth space, which is conducive to the expansion of the lily's root system and helps the plant grow stronger. In addition, ground-planted lilies are to a certain extent closer to their natural growth state, usually requiring less human intervention such as watering and fertilizing, and have lower maintenance costs.

When is the best time to plant lilies?

The best time to plant lilies in the ground is in spring, March or April, or in autumn, September. The temperature at this time is generally above 15-20℃, which is conducive to the germination and growth of the bulbs.

How to plant lilies in the ground?

1. Soil preparation

Lilies prefer soil that is rich in humus, loose, breathable and slightly acidic. Before planting, you can mix in some well-rotted compost or perlite to improve the soil structure and increase its water retention and air permeability.

2. Bulb processing

Choose healthy, disease-free bulbs and disinfect them before planting. You can soak them in carbendazim or potassium permanganate solution for 20-30 minutes.

3. Sowing method

You can use flat bed cultivation with equal row spacing, use manual or mechanical means to dig trenches with a row spacing of 25-30 cm and a trench depth of 10-12 cm, then place the bulbs in the trenches with a spacing of 15 cm between plants, cover with fine soil and compact lightly. The seed rate per mu is 300-400 kg.

4. Water and fertilizer management

Water thoroughly immediately after planting to keep the soil moist. During the growth period of lilies, apply top dressing in a timely manner, mainly with nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, but avoid using alkaline and fluoride-containing fertilizers .

5. Pruning to prevent diseases

Prune away dead flowers and unwanted branches regularly to keep the plant looking nice and healthy. At the same time, we should pay attention to preventing the occurrence of diseases and insect pests, regularly check the growth of plants and take corresponding prevention and control measures.

6. Reproduction method

Lilies can be propagated by bulb division and seeds. Bulb division can be done in spring or autumn, while seed propagation requires attention to seed collection and storage.

Generally speaking, lilies can be planted in the ground, and now is the right time for autumn sowing. The bulbs do not germinate in the year after planting, but overwinter in the soil. They germinate early in the following spring, and seedlings, flowers, and buds appear early, and the plants grow vigorously.