FAQ on growing lilies

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.

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Helpful tips on growing lilies

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.

Which lilies are best for your garden

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

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Keep Positive And Get Out In Your Garden

We hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times and making the most of this glorious weather we are having. We are using this time away from the shows to bring you some videos to watch in the comfort of your own home. We will try and bring you some light-hearted entertainment on how to look after your lilies and other summer flowering bulbs over the coming months. 

Hopefully, with the weather improving now, it’s a great time to spend in the garden! We’re relying more and more on the soothing effect of gardening to
keep us busy and happy. Check out our offers below! 

Happy Gardening! 
The Harts

Great planting tips and promotions on lilies

Pat shows us how to:
Plant your Oriental Trumpet lilies in pots. Remember well-drained soil, and cover with 6 inches of soil over the top of the bulbs. 

https://www.hartsnursery.co.uk/Robina-harts10291.html

Plant and protect your Gloriosa Bulbs, special promotion! Buy 3 get 3 FREE!! for £10!

https://www.hartsnursery.co.uk/Gloriosa-Pack-of-3-Bulbs.html

Lily Beetle Repellent

Have you got your Lily Beetle Prevention? These little pests will be starting to come out now, try our fab prevention spray to keep them from destroying your Lily and Fritillaria foliage.

https://www.hartsnursery.co.uk/Lily-Beetle-Prevention.html
Lily Beetle Prevention Spray £6.95

Lily Beetle

This question was asked by
Tina Brighton

Is there any deterrent for the lily beetle or is it just a case of keeping vigilant and squashing the little red devils when you see them? Thank you

Hi Tina
Being vigilant is key to keeping the lily beetles from ruining your lilies! However, we also suggest the following:

1) Spray with Imidcloprid and sunflower oil (or Bayer Provado Ultimate Bug Killer).
2) If you do not like using insecticides then spraying with diluted fairy liquid or crushed garlic in water have been suggested. Crush a whole corm of garlic in a small pan of boiling water. Allow to cool, strain and put in a small container in the fridge. When using, dilute three parts water to one part garlic solution. Spray often, every few days, especially when it has rained. There is a garlic product available in garden centres and stores, but this is a much cheaper alternative.
3) More recently, a customer has tried planting their lily bulbs alongside a garlic and this has been quite successful in keeping these creatures away.
4) Alternatively, we have been advising our customers to spray their lilies with NEEM oil to eradicate the lily beetle!
Hope one of these suggestions will help you to keep your lilies looking as lovely as they should.
Loraine Hart