Lilium spp.

How to Grow Lily

Liliums, the true lilies, are easy and rewarding to grow in your garden! They include many species, cultivars and hybrids with an endless array of attractive flower forms and colours. The most popular is perhaps the pure white Lilium longiflorum, commonly known as the Christmas Lily in cool climates, or the November Lily in warmer parts. Retail Lilium bulbs are often grouped into two loose categories: 'Asiatic' and 'Oriental'. Asiatic lilies have beautiful, trumpet-shaped blooms. The dramatic, bowl-shaped Oriental, with their jewel-like colours and heady perfume, are even more stunning.

Morning sun. Protect from afternoon heat.

Regular watering

Well drained soil. Preferably acidic soil

Suitable for all climatic zones. Late Autumn to Winter

How to grow lilies in a garden

Step 1

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that receives morning sun and is protected from the afternoon heat.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser before planting.

Step 3

Place the bulb directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 10cm-20cm and 30cm-40cm apart. Ideally plant 3-5 bulbs in a clump as this will produce a stunning effect.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.

Step 6

Towards the end of winter, when the shoots begin to emerge feed every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow lilies in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that has adequate drainage holes and is at least 30cm-50cm wide and 20cm deep. Place it in a position that gets full sun but is protected from the afternoon heat.

Step 2

Fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Place bulbs directly into the pot at a depth of 10cm-20cm and 30cm-40cm apart. Ideally plant 3-5 bulbs as this will produce a stunning effect.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Keep the soil nice and moist, ensuring not to overwater.

Step 6

When flower buds appear, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Lily Growing Tips

Lilies grow from a clustered bulb that should be planted as soon as possible after purchase - Liliums don't have a thick outer skin to protect the bulb from drying out.
If the bulb is a tall grower it may need support. Stakes should be pushed into place at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later on.
When picking the flowers, make sure that you leave some stalk with leaves on it, as the leaves are needed by the Lily to build up the bulb for the following season's growth.
At the end of the flowering season, avoid lifting the bulbs too early otherwise the bulbs will lack the stored energy for next years growth.
To store bulbs, wash off soil and dry thoroughly before storing in net bag in a cool dry and airy place till next planting season.
Liliums are planted from winter to early spring.