Asiatic lilies (Lilium Asiatic hybrids) offer an impressive color palette, including bright reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. These hardy bulbs are among the first lilies to bloom, displaying cheerful, upward or outward-facing flowers. Over time, the original bulb multiplies, producing numerous smaller bulblets. This natural multiplication leads to overcrowding, causing stems to become spindly and flowers to appear smaller. Transplanting and dividing the congested clumps every three to five years revitalizes the plants, ensuring a continued display of robust blooms.
Preparation and Optimal Timing
The period between late September and early November, after the foliage naturally yellows and begins to die back, is the optimal window for transplanting Asiatic lilies. This timing allows the plant to store energy in the bulb before winter dormancy, promoting better flowering the following year. While early spring transplanting is possible, it risks disturbing new shoots and may result in the loss of that season’s bloom. Bulbs must be replanted immediately after lifting, as they do not enter a completely dry, dormant state.
Site selection should prioritize conditions that mimic the lily’s preferred growing environment. Asiatic lilies thrive in locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be well-drained, as these bulbs are susceptible to rot in saturated conditions. Prepare the new planting site by loosening the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Incorporate a two to four-inch layer of organic material, such as compost, to improve drainage and provide nutrients for the relocated bulbs.
Excavating and Dividing the Bulbs
To begin the excavation process, use a sharp tool to cut the dried stems down to approximately six inches above the soil line, leaving a handle to locate the bulbs. Using a garden fork or spade, drive the tool straight down into the soil 8 to 12 inches away from the stem base. This wide circle ensures the tool bypasses the cluster of bulbs and roots. Carefully leverage the soil to lift the entire clump, aiming for a depth of at least 12 inches to extract the full root mass.
After lifting the clump, gently shake off the loose soil to expose the bulbs. The remaining stem should be cut off cleanly just above the bulb. Keep the bulbs moist and shaded during this transition period to prevent desiccation, which can compromise their health. Separate the individual bulbs and bulblets by gently pulling them apart where they are naturally attached. Inspect each bulb for signs of disease or damage, discarding compromised ones. Sort the firm, healthy bulbs by size, as larger bulbs will flower sooner than smaller offsets.
Replanting for Successful Establishment
The depth at which an Asiatic lily bulb is replanted significantly affects its long-term stability and growth. Dig a hole that is three times deeper than the height of the bulb itself. For a typical large bulb, this means a planting depth of four to six inches from the soil surface to the top of the bulb. Smaller bulblets should be planted closer to the surface, about one to three inches deep.
Place the bulb in the hole with the pointy, shoot-producing end facing upward and the basal plate facing downward. Plant the bulbs in clusters of three to five, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. This spacing allows for several seasons of natural multiplication before overcrowding occurs. Backfill the hole with amended soil, lightly patting it down to secure the bulb and eliminate air pockets. Immediately follow with a thorough, deep watering to settle the soil around the roots.
Long-Term Post-Transplant Care
Initial care following replanting is important for a successful transition. If transplanted in the fall, maintain consistent soil moisture until the ground freezes, avoiding overwatering that leads to bulb rot. Once the ground is frozen, apply a two to four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw. This layer provides insulation, preventing the soil from repeatedly freezing and thawing, which can heave the bulbs out of the ground.
During the subsequent spring and summer, the transplanted lilies require regular watering, aiming for one to two inches of water per week, especially during dry periods. The mulch layer should be maintained to keep the root zone cool and conserve moisture. Fertilization should begin only after new growth appears. Use a balanced or low-nitrogen, potassium-rich fertilizer every few weeks through the summer. Monitor the emerging foliage for signs of pests or disease, addressing issues quickly to ensure the lily stands thrive and produce vibrant blooms.