Soil type for oriental lilies

This question was asked by
Sonia – 

I purchased bulbs at Hampton court, please confirm soil type for pots;
Anouska, Angela, Zelmira, Irvana and Aisha ?

Hi there,

All those lilies will be happy in a good multipurpose compost. For best results, you could mix it with 50:50 Multipurpose and John Innes No3.

Roselily Angela

The Hart Family

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

Planting lilies in pots

This question was asked by
Jane Millarini

Can lilies be planted in pots and what type of soil is required?

Yes lilies are great for pots. We suggest a nice gritty multi-purpose compost, add some gravel/grit to the bottom of the pot to allow for good drainage.

The Hart Family

Moving Lilies

This question was asked by
David John Heycock

I have been growing lilies in pots for 3 years, can I now plant them out in the border please?

Yes this is no problem at all. It may be a little late now for this year as they may have started showing signs of growth. It’s probably best to leave it until the Autumn when everything has died back.

The Hart Family

Lily Beetle Spray

This question was asked by
Jean Thompson

When is the best time to start using lily beetle spray?

Start early using your lily beetle spray, I would suggest using it as soon as your lilies start showing through the soil. You may notice them on fritillaria first and this can be as early as March! We use Grazers repellent for Lily Beetle. This is a completely natural spray, very effective and must be used frequently for best results. A plus is it feeds the foliage as well and stimulates growth.

Lily Beetle Prevention (SKU17972)

The Hart Family

Alkaline Soil

This question was asked by
Gemma Holmes

Which lilies are best for alkaline soil?

If you have Alkaline soil then Asiatic lilies are best. Or hybrid lilies are also quite happy in Alkaline soil for example Longiflorum Asiatic lilies, Oriental Trumpet lilies and Martagons lilies.

Asiatic Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1154)

‘Tree like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1152)

Arabian Night Martagon Lily (SKU17726)

Lily ‘Eyeliner’ (SKU17703)

The Hart Family

Watering Lilies

This question was asked by
Francis Machin

Do lilies need a lot of watering?

Believe it or not lilies can take quite a bit of drought. They really like to be well drained. Unless it’s very hot, then they only need watering once a week. If you are new to growing lilies, we would suggest trying the Oriental Trumpet Lilies to get you going as these are happy in any well-drained soil. Once you’ve started growing lilies, you’ll see how easy they are and you’ll be addicted I’m sure.

‘Tree like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (harts1152)

Multicoloured ‘Tree-like’ Lily Bulb Collection (Pack of 12 Bulbs) (SKU17752)

The Hart Family