Planting and Growing Lilies
Our tips for successful planting in the ground or in pots
Contents
Lilies offer a spectacular and very elegant summer bloom, displaying at the top of their stems large trumpet-shaped or star-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, yellow, or orange depending on the variety. Their flowers are a true symbol of refinement and elegance, perfect for creating very romantic bouquets. They adapt effortlessly to container growing, making them ideal for decorating a terrace or balcony. Whether it’s Oriental Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, or Martagon Lilies, discover all our tips for successful planting, whether in pots or in the ground!
When to plant Lilies?
Lilies are among 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 month. One exception, however, is the Lilium candidum (Madonna lily), which prefers earlier planting, starting in September.
Where to plant Lilies?
To thrive at their best, lilies need a sunny location, although partial shade suits them in the southern regions of France. They prefer light, humus-rich, well-drained soil: Lilies do not appreciate waterlogged soil, especially in winter, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot. They favour slightly acidic to neutral soils, except for the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum) and Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon), which tolerate limestone 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 they came in: this is the best way to prevent the bulb from drying out.
- Work the soil deeply, about 25 to 30 cm with a spade, dibber, or a hand fork.
- Place your bulbs with the pointed end upwards, spacing them about 20 cm apart.
- Cover them with 12 to 15 cm of soil (except for Lilium candidum, which should be covered with only 3 cm of soil).
- Water moderately in spring and summer if the soil dries out deeply.
- Stake the stems if it’s very windy; you can cut off faded flowers with your secateurs, but leave the stem in place until the foliage dries: this is how the bulb replenishes its reserves.
Lilies are not afraid of the cold and can be left in the ground year after year.
How to Plant Them in Pots?
Planting in pots is ideal for enlivening (and perfuming) a terrace in summer.
- Choose a large pot at least 30 cm deep
- Place a drainage layer at the bottom, made of broken pottery, gravel, or clay pebbles, about 5 cm thick
- Fill the pot with a rich and light substrate, such as a mix of compost and potting soil (or garden soil), with a bit of sand added.
- Plant 3 to 5 bulbs per pot, placing them about 15 cm deep.
- Cover them with potting soil and lightly firm down.
- All that’s left is to water and place the pot in a sunny spot.
To learn more, check out our guide “How to Grow Lilies in Pots?”
- Subscribe!
- Contents