Category Archives: How to plant lilies

Perennials

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Rob

I am widowed and retired, a gardener not……Are there perennials that will appear throughout the year.

All our bulbs are perennials and they will come back each year. Depending on which bulbs you plant will depend on what time of year they will flower. Our website will tell you when each bulb’s flowering period is.

 

Start by looking in the Spring Planted Bulbs and Lilies Categories – these will flower this summer. Then you will need to look at the Autumn Planted Bulbs and these will flower int the Spring.

The Hart Family

What compost or mix of composts do I use for the lilies?

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Elizabeth B

I have just ordered some Oriental lily bulbs from you to grow in large clay pots. What is the best compost to use? Do I need to add sand as some sites advise? How do I prevent the dreaded Lily Beetle?? I can start them in a cold greenhouse.

Hi there,
You can mix John Innes No.3 with a good quality Multi-purpose compost (50:50 mix). Adding horticultural grit for drainage is recommended.

We have a Grazers G4 spray or concentrate you can purchase for the lily beetle.

Lily Beetle Prevention Concentrate (SKU179721)

Lily Beetle Prevention Spray (SKU17972)

Lily bulbs

The Hart Family

FAQ on growing lilies

Posted on by
Lilies

How do I plant my lily bulbs?

Lilies are very hardy bulbs. They can tolerate very cold conditions but do not like to get wet. If planting in borders the soil must be free draining and preferably humus rich. Some lilies prefer acid soil, mainly Oriental lilies, and some prefer alkaline mainly Asiatic lilies. It is best to check which soil you have. When planting in pots or tubs you must make sure that they are kept moist but do not get waterlogged. Plant bulbs with 4-6″ (10-15cm) of soil above them. If planting in pots, plant 3 in a 10-14″ (25-35cm) pot, in a good-quality, peat-free, multi-purpose compost. John Innes No.3 is ideal for Lilies also. If it appears too dense, add some horticultural grit to improve drainage.

Continue reading →

Helpful tips on growing lilies

Posted on by
Lily Bulbs need planting with the tip pointing upwards and the roots down.

Planting your lilies couldn’t be easier once you have chosen the right soil for the variety.

Simply plant with the growing tip pointing upwards and the roots below and cover the top of the bulb with 4-6” (10-15cm) of soil. 

If planting in pots, plant 3 bulbs in a 10-14” (25-35cm) ‘patio type’ pot. You can plant more in a larger pot or less in a smaller pot. It really depends on the display you would like to achieve. You can also stagger the planting, using different lilies to achieve different heights.

Continue reading →

Which lilies are best for your garden

Posted on by
Reply

Luscious Lilies for your garden pots or borders

Whether you’re a fan of scented or unscented; tall or short; subtle or bold colours, there’s a  lily for everyone. I often get asked how to choose a lily and I guess this is where I start…

Where are you thinking of planting your lilies?

Asiatic Lilies

Firstly, where would you like to grow your lilies? Pots or garden borders? If you’re planning on planting up your lily bulbs in pots for your patio (or making a pot feature around your garden), then the world is your oyster when it comes to lily choice. This is because different lilies like different soil types. Therefore, you can choose any lily and just mix up the right soil/compost for it. Lilies are generally happy in a good-quality, peat-free, multi-purpose compost. This leads me to the next question…

Lilium Majestic Joy

Continue reading →

Great bulbs

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Theresa G

Just to let you know my bulbs arrived, in great condition. Thank you.
Can’t wait for them to flower!!!

You’re very welcome – thank you for taking the time to email us.

Lily Bulbs

The Hart Family

Best variety for scent

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Ray B

Hi Harts

looking for best lily for scent to be grown in a lily pot on a patio. The pot is approx 50cm high and 40cm diameter – how many bulbs would you advise ?

Thanks

Ray

I would advise planting 3 bulbs to this size pot. If you are looking for highly perfumed lilies, then any of the orientals are perfumed. The whiter the lily the stronger the scent.

Have you seen Nymph? This is a popular variety due to it’s unique cinnamon-like perfume. Lily ‘Nymph’ (harts1027)

Here you will find links to the perfumed lilies:
Oriental Lilies
Oriental Trumpet Lilies
Roselilies

The Hart Family

Transplanting lilies

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– John R – 

I have had some lilies in a pot for several years doing very well but ready for transplanting. What exactly do I go about it do not want to lose them?

You can transplant your lilies now – try not to damage any shoots. Carefully dig the bulbs up and replant them in your desired spot. Ensuring the soil has plenty of drainage. If you are planting your lilies from pots to the garden, ensure you have the correct soil for the lily type. As a general rule, oriental lilies like an acidic soil and asiatic lilies prefer an alkaline soil. If you have any of the hybrid lilies including the tree lilies – they are happy in any soil type. If the bulbs have any baby bulblets, you can divide them and replant them also. The baby bulblets may not produce much for a for the first few years but they will mature over time.
You can give your lilies a boost by giving them a diluted tomato feed.

The Hart Family

Transplanting lily bulbs from pot to the garden

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Graham B

Hi
The area that i want to plant them is not ready yet. Some of the bulbs are shooting, can i plant them in 3-4 ltr pots now in a cold greenhouse, and when I’m ready carefully transplant them outside probably next month at the earliest. By the way arrived in perfect condition & well packed 10 out of 10.
Await your reply cheers Graham

Hi Graham
Thank you for your email – it’s great to hear your feedback.
Yes it will be absolutely fine to transfer your bulbs from a pot to the garden in a month’s time – just be careful not to damage the shoots when you transplant them.

The Hart Family

just wanted to say thanks

Posted on by

This question was asked by
– Tony

Just to say thank you for our (first) order that was received today. All the bulbs look fab, were well packaged and the enclosed info was helpful.
I’ve had problems with online garden orders in the past, but this is the way it should be done.
I’ll certainly return for some autumn planted bulbs later this year.

Hi Tony

That’s fantastic to hear! Thank you so much. If you get a chance to leave a review on Trustpilot, we would really appreciate it.

Thanks again for dropping us an email – it has definitely made us smile.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/evaluate/hartsnursery.co.uk

The Hart Family