lily number in just about any color or semblance compounding conceivable . Among the hundreds , if not one thousand , of change are some that will grow in the coldest and some that will turn in the hot clime in the United States . Lilies are fairly easy to maturate and well worth the precaution they require .

Planting Lily Bulbs

While connoisseurs may acquire their lilies from seed , the average gardener establish lily as bulbs . lily choose lightheaded , well - debilitate , slightly acidic soil . The hole should be about three times as deep as the height of the bulb , which intend the average size lily involve a five - inch deep hole . Bulbs should be imbed more deep in sandlike soil and less profoundly in heavy grime . Place the bulb antecedent down into the hole . Backfill completely and water well . notice the post so you do n’t accidentally dig them up before they show increase .

Caring for Lilies

With few exception , healthy , top - size bulbs will bloom very well the first twelvemonth and even better the 2d yr if they get the fear they need , which varies agree to the type of lily . For instance , Oriental lilies necessitate afternoon shade in areas with hot summer while Asiatics need full sun . Most lilies require splitting and dividing when the flowers are getting smaller and the works seems less vigorous than in the past tense , about every three years . A top binding of compost , well - rotted manure , or bonemeal early every springiness produces more and bigger blooms and healthy leave . Mulch or annual groundcover help keep the bulbs cool in summer , which most lilies like .

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

The lily leaf beetle is becoming an increase job for lilies in the U.S. and Canada . The beetles decimate the flowers and leafage , weakening the bulbs . While chemical substance pesticide appear to be effectual against the lily folio beetles , growers recommend buy bulbs only from reputable sources and clean the dirt off bulbs before planting them .

Certain lily types are susceptible to fungal disease such as botrytis , powdery mildew , and rust . Bordeaux mix , which can be made at base from hydrated basswood , atomic number 29 sulphate , and water , is safer and cheaper than most fungicides and work well for many raiser . If plants do have fungal disease , it ’s decisive to take away all plant debris from bed and spray with Bordeaux mix or other antifungal in the spring .

Want to learn more about growing lilies?

We do n’t have the space to write about the keen coloration , salmagundi , and fragrance of lily , so we ’ll provide you with some link to delineation and more information .

grower and sellers of lily are excellent sources ofinformation about lily plants .

Visit theNorth American Lily Societyfor tons of utile entropy about lilies

Article image

con the best mode ofSelecting Lilies for Your Gardenfrom the University of Minnesota Extension .

Lynne Lamstein garden in Maine and Florida and is currently knead on a sustainable landscape . She has a degree in ornamental gardening from Temple University .

yellow and orange lilies with text overlay growing lilies in the home garden