When do lilies come up

If the bulbs are overcrowded then they are competing with each other for space, nutrients and moisture and sunlight when the green leaves emerge in Spring. The solution to this is to dig up the bulbs and plant them a more appropriate distance so that each lily has access to all the resources required for flowering. To ensure the best prospect of a flowering lily plant each bulb at least 8 inches apart.

This ensures the lilies are close enough for a good display of flowers and have enough space to thrive. If you lilies are not flowering and you know they are spaced too close together, dig them up preferably in the Fall and space them appropriately so they have enough time to adjust to their surroundings before growing and flowering in the Spring. The depth at which your lily bulbs are planted can affect flowering. Bulbs that are planted too shallow can suffer from frost damage which prevent lilies from flowering whereas bulbs planted too deep can either flower later or not flower at all.

The best practice for planting lily bulbs is to plant the bulbs to a depth of 4 times the diameter of each bulb. This provides protection in Winter and allows the bulb to grow strong and healthy in the Spring.

For most lily varieties around 6 or more hours of sun per day is preferred for displaying flowers. With a good 6 hours of sun the lily has the energy it requires for flowering whereas lilies planted in partial shade or full shade often grow but do not flower.

If your lily is in a shaded area of your garden consider cutting back any overhanging tree limbs or foliage surrounding your lilies to allow for more light.

If it is not possible to create more light by cutting back other plants and trees then the best option is to wait until Fall when the lilies foliage has died back and dig up the bulbs to relocate then in a sunnier part of the garden. Do not try to transplant the lilies in the Spring or Summer whilst growing as this causes transplant shock. In a sunnier location your lilies have more energy which should result in a good display of flowers. Do consider that in full sun there is a greater risk of drought so it is a good idea to mulch the ground around the lilies with compost to help conserve water.

Once of the most common species of lily is the Asiatic lily which actually require a cold period in the Winter to flower in the Spring a process known as vernalization. This is because the bulb has adapted to a seasonal cycle of temperature change so the bulb knows when to initiate growth and produce flowers at the correct time in the Spring. Asiatic lilies are adapted to the temperature pattern of temperate climates so If you are growing Asiatic lilies in a warm climate rather then a temperate climate then the Winter may not be cold enough to go through the vernalization process and the plant may not grow well and not flower.

There is not much you can do if you live in a hot climate to promote flowers from Asiatic lily bulbs if the Winter is mild rather then cold, so it is best to select the apprioate lily species that suits your climate.

If you live in a hot climate then the Easter lilies species is a more reliable lily for flowering as it does not require the process of vernalization.

Lilies tend to grow best in rich soil with lots of nutrients and often do not require added fertilizer to flower. Too much fertilizer especially if high in Nitrogen can often promote lots of green foliage but with few flowers particularly if it is applied before flowering in the early Spring.

A dry, late spring may delay flowering, while an early, wet spring may speed things up. For information about planting and growing lilies read All About Lilies. Asiatic lilies bloom in early summer. They have upward or outward facing flowers in a rainbow of colors, from white through yellow, peach, orange, pink, red and maroon. Heights range from 1 to 3 feet and the sturdy stems rarely need staking.

Asiatic lilies are ideal for flowerbeds and containers. All are winter hardy in zones 4 to 9. Double Asiatic lilies have the same growth habits as regular Asiatics, but their flowers display an extra set of petals.

This gives the blossoms a full look and also makes them pollen-free, which is nice for bouquets. Double Asiatic lilies are long lasting in the garden and as cut flowers. They are hardy in zones 4 to 9. Martagon liies are also known as "turk's caps". A single stem can display between 10 and 50 flowers. Martagon lilies are slow growing and tolerate more shade than other lilies. They typically bloom in early summer and are hardy in zones 3 to 9.

LA Hybrids have very large, open-faced blossoms with a light fragrance. Find it HERE. Both planting times will give you flowers in mid to late summer. Plant lilies! There are lilies that bloom in early summer, midsummer and late summer. Plant Asiatic lilies and the shorter varieties of Oriental lilies toward the front of borders; other types toward the back. Planting lily bulbs in a cutting garden ensures you will have plenty of flowers for bouquets without sacrificing the lilies in your flower gardens.

Put the lily bulb in the bottom of the hole and cover it with soil. Water only if the soil is dry. Most flower bulbs have an outer layer that protects them from moisture loss and damage. Lily bulbs lack a protective coating, so they need to be handled with extra care and planted as soon as possible.

If you see blue or green mold on the outer scales, this is normal and no cause for worry. Lily bulbs are a tasty treat for chipmunks, squirrels and voles.