When is the best time to plant lilies?

Lily , a perennial plant belonging to the Liliaceae family, is famous for its bulbous form. Most people probably know lilies as the beautiful cut flowers sold in florists, but in fact, many varieties of lilies are very suitable for use as garden decorations in indoor potted plants or outdoor ground plantings, and even have edible qualities. Let’s learn when is the best time to plant lilies?

1. Spring planting

For most lily varieties, spring is an ideal planting time , usually in March or April. The spring climate is mild and the soil moisture is moderate, which is conducive to the germination and growth of lily bulbs . Lilies planted during this period can bloom in summer or autumn.

2. Autumn planting

Fall is also a good time to plant lilies , especially September. Lilies planted in the fall will bloom in the spring of the following year. The advantage of autumn planting is that it avoids the adverse effects of high summer temperatures on the bulbs and takes advantage of the cool autumn climate to promote root growth.

3. Temperature requirements

The ideal temperature range for lily cultivation is 15-28℃. Within this temperature range, lilies grow most actively, and their germination rate and survival rate are also the highest. If the temperature is too low, it may affect the germination of the bulbs; if the temperature is too high, it may cause the bulbs to rot.

4. Specific operations

Before planting lilies , the bulbs need to be properly treated, such as cutting off rotten and dead roots, and disinfecting them with disinfectants such as carbendazim and potassium permanganate. When planting, you should choose loose, well-drained soil and ensure that the bulbs are planted at an appropriate depth. Usually the distance from the top of the bulb to the soil surface should be kept between 5-10 cm.

Generally speaking, the planting time of lilies is mainly divided into two periods: spring and autumn. The specific time should be determined according to local climatic conditions and the characteristics of the lily variety.