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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Fritillaria Imperialis

This question was asked by
Marius S – 

Hi – Do you have ‘Fritillaria Imperialis’ in other colours than Red?

Yellow or Orange?
Thank You

Hi Marius

Yes we have all 3 colours of crown imperials, red, yellow and orange Fritillaria.These all need planting up in the Autumn for a superb display in the spring.

Please click on the link below to shop our crown imperials.

Fritillaria

Fritillaria Aurora

Fritillaria Aurora

Fritillaria Lutea

Fritillaria Lutea

The Hart Family

What flowers to pick for containers

This question was asked by
Linda D – 

I’m a novice on bulbs. I’m after a variety of bulbs that will flower from spring till autumn and give a glorious burst of colour. Different heights so I can make a display that will ‘wow’. Suggestions of what size pot for number of bulbs and which is the best compost and feed etc.

Thanks very much.

Linda

Hi Linda

You have so many different flowers to choose from it really depends on the height, colour and variety you would like. Also, to have flowers all year through, you need to plant them at different times of the year.

On our website, our products are broken down into Autumn Planted Bulbs and Spring Planted Bulbs. You can then search by the flowering months as well so you can have something in flower all year through. For planting in pots, a good-quality, multi-purpose (peat-free) compost will do the trick for most varieties. You can then add a slow release fertiliser (link below) to help them on their way. You can also add horticultural grit to your compost and pots for good drainage. The main rule to planting in pots is to ensure there are drainage holes in your pots or your bulbs will rot.

Slow Release Fertiliser – Easy Feed Pack (SKU18119)

To get full and luscious pots full of flowers, we recommend layering your bulbs like making a lasagne. The Dutch call this a bulb lasagne. Simply plant your bulbs deeper to start with, with the largest or latest flowering bulbs further down, moving to the smallest and earliest flowering on the top layer. The shoots from the lower bulbs will find their way around the other bulbs. The first layer can go as deep as 28-30cm (11-12″), then cover them over with 5cm (2″) of compost, before you place the next layer of bulbs.

Bulb Lasagne

Bulb Lasagne

AUTUMN PLANTED BULBS

SPRING PLANTED BULBS

The Hart Family

Selection of bulbs

This question was asked by
Philip P – 

We would like some help on a selection of bulbs that flower from the beginning of January and then flower throughout the year, they are for our family plot at the crematorium, the space is 2.5 ft by 5 ft, and we would like to plant then all at once, kind regards

Hi Philip

To have flowers in bloom early in the year through to late autumn, you would need to plant them at different times of the year.

You can search on our website for flowering months which will help you plan for this. You will need to look in the Autumn Planted Bulbs section for the earlier flowering varieties and then move to the Spring Planted Bulbs section for the summer through to Autumn flowers. Search by month and this should help you get a long lasting display through out the year. You can also search by height and border position.

Garden flowers

Garden flowers

The Hart Family

A Ginger Lily

This question was asked by
Janette

I bought a Ginger Lily from you please could you tell me how deep to plant it in a pot and how deep in the garden I live in Bristol so how should I treat it in the winter Thanking You Janette

Hello there,

You can find planting and care instructions for the Ginger Lily here:

Hedychium Gardnerianum The ‘Ginger Lily’ (SKU17815)

Ginger Lily

The Hart Family

Nerine bulbs

This question was asked by
Caroline  – 

I would like to order would like to order some Nerine bulbs (Bowdenii) – when will you dispatch them? Now or do I have to wait till Feb as suggested on your website. ?

Hi there,

We dispatch our Nerine bulbs from February through to the end of May. If you order your Nerine bulbs now (May), they will be dispatched the next working day and will flower late summer to autumn.

Nerines

Nerines

Nerines

The Hart Family

Super Condition Lilies

This question was asked by
John B – 

Just a quick message to say thank you for the wonderful Lilies received yesterday. They were in super condition on receipt and are now potted up. Excellent service & goods.
Best wishes
John B

You’re very welcome Mr Beechey. Thank you for taking the time to email us.

The Hart Family

Just a thank you

This question was asked by
Sheila –

Hello
I’ve received my beautiful lily bulbs today. Lovely sized and healthy bulbs. Thank you.
Kind regards
Sheila

You’re very welcome Sheila and thank you for taking the time to message us.

LILIES

The Hart Family