Lily Planting Guide

Arrival of bulbs

Lily bulbs are supplied in their dormant state and should be kept dry and cool until planting. If you cannot plant them immediately, store them in a well-ventilated location away from excessive heat and moisture.

Keep bulbs dry until ready for planting.
Store in a cool, frost-free place with good air circulation.
Protect from direct sunlight and damp conditions.
Plant as soon as practical for the best establishment and flowering performance.

Planting

Lilies can be planted in either spring or summer, provided the soil is workable and drains freely.
They are suitable for growing in garden borders, raised beds and containers.
Choose a position in full sun or light shade.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and improving drainage where necessary.
Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing upwards.
Cover bulbs with approximately 10–15cm of soil.
Space bulbs 12–20cm apart to allow room for healthy growth.
Where soils are heavy or retain excess moisture, incorporate coarse grit or sharp sand before planting.
When planting in containers, use a quality multi-purpose compost mixed with grit or perlite to improve drainage.
A 15-litre container comfortably accommodates around five bulbs, spaced evenly throughout the pot.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil or compost around the bulbs.

Watering

Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
During active growth, keep the soil consistently moist but never saturated.
Container-grown lilies generally require more frequent watering, particularly during warm weather.
Avoid prolonged waterlogging, as excessively wet conditions can cause bulbs to rot.

Additional tips

Lilies perform best in free-draining soil and dislike sitting in wet conditions during winter.
Once flowering has finished, remove any spent flowers to direct the plant's energy back into the bulb.
Leave all stems and foliage in place until they have naturally turned brown and the stems become hollow, allowing nutrients to return to the bulb.
Lilies are fully hardy and benefit from a natural cold dormant period, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -20°C.
If growing lilies for cut flowers, always leave around 50cm of stem on the plant to encourage strong flowering the following season.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser when planting or feed every three weeks during active growth using a tomato fertiliser diluted to half the recommended strength.
Inspect plants regularly during spring and early summer for lily beetles. Prompt treatment or manual removal will help minimise damage.

Grower FAQs

Poor flowering is often linked to insufficient feeding, overcrowded bulbs or removing the foliage too early. Allow the leaves and stems to die back naturally after flowering so the bulb can store energy for the following season. Feeding regularly during active growth will also encourage stronger blooms.

Inspect plants frequently throughout spring and early summer, when lily beetles are most active. Remove any adult beetles or larvae by hand where possible, or use a suitable lily beetle control treatment to help prevent infestations.

Yes. Healthy lily bulbs gradually produce small bulblets that can be separated every few years. Container-grown lilies may become crowded after two to three seasons and will benefit from lifting, dividing and replanting. Newly separated bulblets may take several years to reach flowering size.

In most gardens, lilies can remain in the ground throughout winter provided drainage is good. Container-grown bulbs should also be protected from prolonged waterlogging by ensuring excess moisture drains freely. If preferred, bulbs may be lifted after dormancy and stored in barely moist compost until replanting.