True lilies, belonging to the genus Lilium, are perennial flowering plants that bring dramatic color and fragrance to the garden landscape. Unlike many common garden bulbs, these species grow from scaly bulbs that lack a protective outer layer, meaning they never go completely dormant. Establishing these plants requires careful attention to specific planting and site selection guidelines. Following the correct steps ensures the bulb can quickly establish a robust root system and provide years of beautiful, recurring blooms.
Selecting the Right Time and Location
The timing of your planting directly impacts the bulb’s ability to settle in before extreme weather arrives. Fall planting is the preferred time, ideally four to six weeks before the first anticipated hard frost, which allows the bulb to develop stabilizing roots while the soil is still warm. Planting in the spring is also an option, but this should be done as soon as the soil is workable and not muddy, though the resulting bloom may be slightly delayed.
Lily bulbs thrive best in a location that receives ample sunlight, requiring a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily. While the tops of the plants enjoy full sun, the roots benefit from cooler, shaded soil, which can be achieved by planting low-growing ground cover nearby. Choosing the right planting site depends on soil quality, as lilies demand excellent drainage to avoid basal rot.
The bulb will rapidly deteriorate in heavy, waterlogged conditions, so a site where water quickly drains away is necessary. If your existing soil is dense clay, amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure will improve aeration and drainage. Lilies prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Step-by-Step Bulb Planting Guide
Before planting, inspect each bulb, as their scaly structure makes them susceptible to drying out and damage. If the roots are long, you may trim them slightly to a manageable length of about two inches, but take care not to damage the emerging sprout or healthy root tissue. Since these bulbs lack the protective tunic of tulips or daffodils, they should be planted as soon as possible after purchase.
The proper planting depth is determined by the size of the bulb, requiring the bulb to be buried two to three times its height. For most varieties, this translates to a depth of six to nine inches from the soil surface to the bulb’s base. Planting deeper offers the benefit of keeping the bulb cooler during summer heat and providing better stability for the tall stems.
To prepare the planting hole, dig deeper than the intended depth, loosening the soil at the base to ensure water does not collect directly beneath the bulb. Place the bulb into the hole with the roots pointing downward and the tip, where the sprout will emerge, facing straight up. If a sprout is already visible, handle the bulb with care to prevent breaking it off.
Spacing is necessary to allow for mature growth and good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Position bulbs eight to twelve inches apart, depending on the mature size of the variety. Once the bulb is correctly oriented, backfill the hole with the amended soil, lightly tamping the surface to remove air pockets without compacting the soil heavily.
Initial Care After Planting
Immediately after the bulb is situated and the soil is replaced, a thorough watering is necessary to settle the soil around the bulb and initiate root growth. This ensures the roots establish contact with the surrounding soil particles. Following this deep watering, maintain consistent but not excessive moisture in the soil, particularly during dry periods.
Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, immediately after planting helps insulate the soil. For fall-planted bulbs, this moderates temperatures and protects the bulb from damaging freeze-thaw cycles that cause frost heave. Mulch also helps conserve soil moisture during the growing season.
Newly planted lily bulbs are a target for pests, including voles, squirrels, and gophers. To prevent rodents from consuming the bulbs, place a wire cage or hardware cloth barrier around the bulb when planting. Applying a granular repellent around the planting site can also offer a temporary deterrent against wildlife.