Planting Lilies

Where will we plant our lilies?

That seems like a silly question doesn't it! Why out in the garden, of course!  Well, that is true, and no doubt you have some lovely spots all picked out and exciting "combinations" dreamed up. But before you dash out into the garden with your eager arms full of bulbs . . . there is one thing you must know . . . probably no other condition is more important to the well-being . . . even the very life of your lilies than DRAINAGE. Lilies MUST HAVE GOOD DRAINAGE!!! It is rule No. 1 for success with lilies . . . also Rule No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5! If you are going to choose a spot where water collects and stands, you might as well take your hard-earned dollar bills out and plant them instead …  you will have about as much chance of raising a crop!

But good drainage does not necessarily mean an intricate arrangement of drainage tile, double-digging, and pockets of sand. If you want to go to all that work . . . if your soil is a heavy clay with a layer of hardpan beneath, it will certainly benefit your whole garden to provide this type of drainage insurance. Deep soil preparation has always been gardening practice. Lilies are not the only plants that appreciate good drainage and well prepared soil. But . . . if the thought of all that work discourages you . . . why not plant on a slight slope?

Planting on a slope is the easiest way to insure rapid drainage of any surface water. A  mulch around the stems . . . or a ground cover . . . will hold the soil and keep it from washing away.

Lacking a natural slope, the next easiest method of providing good drainage is to raise the bed. Good soil from the pathway can be heaped on top of the bed, thus obtaining a deeper soil and a rise to the planting area.  Beds can also be edged with blocks or stones for a more pleasing look.

How to Plant lily Bulbs

How deep? . . . You don't have to worry too much about this . . . except for Madonna Lilies (L. candidum). These must have no more than one inch (2.5 cm) of settled soil over the tops of the bulbs. Cover the others with about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) of soil for small bulbs and 4-6 inches (10-15cm) for larger ones.

Scoop out a hole of the proper depth. It should be a generous hole with room to spread out all the roots comfortably. If planting in groups of three or more, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the whole group. Bulbs should be 12 inches (30cm) apart for small ones . . . 18 inches (45cm) or more for large sizes. Work the soil in around the bulbs and the roots , leaving no air pockets. Just as soon after your bulbs are planted . . . WATER THEM! By watering your plantings you will make sure that good damp soil comes in contact with all the roots and starts them growing.

In the spring when the lily shoots emerge, they are very brittle and easily damaged, so it is wise to mark each bulb planted with a little stake . . . and a label for the whole group. Then you won't forget and step on them by mistake . . . or chop their heads off!

There was a time when we were cautioned to plant lilies only in the fall. Many people believe that fall is still the best time to put in bulbs. However, with newly perfected storage methods, lily bulbs may be carried through the winter in excellent condition and arrive for planting as crisp and turgid as if freshly dug, but plant early . . . as soon as the ground is workable.