When To Plant Lily Bulbs

One of the most frustrating things for new gardeners or those new to a given plant family may well be planting time. The different lush plants we love require planting at different times, any time of year. Wildflowers should be sown in fall or early spring. Certain vegetables like kale thrive when planted in wintertime. So, if you’re planting lilies, when should those bulbs go in the ground? Let’s take a look and find out.

Are Lilies Perennial or Annual?

Technically speaking, perennial is the standard form of most lily varieties. However, a few factors may change this. For example, the climate may prevent the bulb from becoming a rooted perennial and may wind up as an annual. Planting time also may affect the status of perennial or annual.

False Lilies Confused with True Lilies

Several plants may have the name “lily” attached to them, but they aren’t actually lilies. These plants will have different needs for planting times.

• Peace lily
• Water lily
• Daylily
• Voodoo lily
• Calla lily
• Adobe lily
• Amazon lily
• Australian sword lily
• Butterfly lily
• Checkered lily

The bulbs of plants belonging to the Lilium family are true lilies and will meet the following approximations on planting times needed for best results.

When to Plant Lilies: Quick Answer

A unique plant among the plantae world is the lily, which may technically have its bulbs planted in autumn, early winter, or early spring. The climate and type of bulb will affect which period is most beneficial or even possible. Generally speaking, as long as the bulbs make it into the soil by the end of March, they will produce as they should.

Tips for Uses and Placement for Your Lilies

Since the planting times for lilies is so broad, these tips may help you produce thriving lily bulbs.

• Generally, choose the best time for yourself to plant lily bulbs, unless the specific variety you’re planting has special notes on planting times.
• Full sun is one of those marker needs of most lilies in the world, whether they are spring or autumn planters. Be sure to plant your lily bulbs where they will receive between 6 and 8 hours of direct sunlight, unless otherwise noted for that particular variety.
• Plant bulbs immediately after you purchase them or store them in a cool, dark space like a basement (protected).
• When you do plant, find a sheltered location for the bulbs where strong winds won’t reduce the plants to wisps of green in growing season.
• Plant bulbs on the deeper side of planting guidelines when you are planting in a warm environment.
• Plant bulbs on the shallower side of the planting guidelines when they’re being planted in a cooler environment.
• Mark out the locations of your lily bulbs so they won’t be tilled or dug up by accident.
• Ensure the soil where lilies are planted is well-draining. Root rot is a severe problem for most bulbous plants.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Damian Lugowski/Shutterstock.com