Plant and cultivate Lilies

When to plant Lilies?

Lilies are part of the few families of summer-flowering bulbs that prefer autumn planting: the ideal planting period ranges from late September to January, with October being the best time. However, there is one exception, the lily candidum (Madonna lily), which prefers an earlier planting, as early as September.

Where to plant Lilies?

To thrive best, lilies need a well-sunny location, although partial shade suits them in the southern regions of France. They enjoy light, humus-rich, well-drained soil: Lilies do not appreciate waterlogged soils, especially in winter, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils, except for the Candidum Lily and the Martagon Lily, which tolerate lime well. Improve heavy soils by adding some gravel or coarse sand to prevent water stagnation. Also, ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases like Botrytis.

How to plant Lilies?

How to plant them in the ground?

Keep your bulbs in the plastic bag in which you received them: this is the best way to prevent the bulb from drying out.

• Work your soil deeply, to a depth of 25 to 30 cm with a shovel, a dibber or a rake.
• Place your bulbs point upwards, spacing them about twenty centimetres apart.
• Cover them with 12 to 15 cm of soil (except for the Lilium candidum, which should be covered with 3 cm of soil).
• Water moderately in spring and summer if the soil dries out deeply.
• Stake the stems if the situation is very windy; you can cut the faded flowers with your pruning shear, but leave the stem in place until the foliage has dried: this is how the bulb replenishes its reserves.

Lilies are not afraid of the cold and can be left in the ground from one year to the next.

How to plant them in pots?

Pot planting is ideal for brightening up (and scenting) a terrace in summer.

• Choose a large pot at least 30 cm deep
• Place a layer of drainage at the bottom, made up of broken pots, gravel or clay balls, about 5 cm thick
• Fill the pot with a rich and light substrate, for example a mixture of compost and potting soil (or garden soil), with a little sand added.
• Plant 3 to 5 bulbs per pot, placing them about 15 cm deep.
• Cover them with potting soil and lightly compact.
• All that’s left to do is water and place the pot in a sunny spot.

For more information, check our advice sheet “How to grow Lilies in pots?”