Lilies originally hail from Turkey and the Caucasus region. Since they’re used to high-altitude mountain life, these flowers are incredibly adaptable and low-maintenance. That rugged nature makes planting lilies a breeze for any gardener!
Timing is Everything
If you’re wondering, “When should I plant my lilies?” the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It really depends on how you’re starting your garden. Here are the three main ways to get lilies in the ground:
- Planting bulbs
- Sowing seeds
- Buying pre-grown nursery plants
Planting Lily Bulbs
If you’re starting with bulbs, you’ve got options: you can plant in either the spring or the fall. If you go with a spring planting, try to get them in the ground by May at the latest. If you wait much longer, your lilies probably won’t have enough time to bloom this year. Fall planting is great, too, but it’s best for folks in milder climates. If your winters get bone-chillingly cold, there’s a risk the bulbs might freeze in the ground before they’ve established themselves.
Sowing Lily Seeds
If you’ve harvested ripe seeds from spent lily blooms, you can sow them directly in the fall. Alternatively, you can dry them out or keep them in the fridge to plant the following spring. For the best results, I recommend starting your seeds in pots first. Once they’ve sprouted and gotten a little stronger, you can transplant them into your garden beds starting in May.
Buying Nursery Starts
If you’d rather skip the early stages and buy young plants from your local garden center or hardware store, aim to do your shopping between March and May. Getting them in the ground during this window gives the plants plenty of time to settle in and grow strong roots. By the time winter rolls around, they’ll be tough enough to handle the cold without any issues.
