This question was asked by
Hi there, just placed an order, hoping its a good mix, will be planting in containers, what is the best compost, does it require crocks for drainage,when should i plant, how deep, do i protect from frost, any information would be great, its a surprise for my wife, there her favourite flowers, so want to get it right, how long is delivery, many thanks
HI there,
You will receive Planting Instructions with your order so that should cover everything on there but here is an overview for you:
Planting Instructions
Lily Bulbs should be planted as soon as you receive them. Ideally in the Spring.
Find a location with full sun or partial shade.
Different Lily varieties tolerate different soil types, Acidic or Alkaline. Most of your lilies are Oriental Trumpet Lilies which can tolerate both. The Lipgloss Oriental Lily you’ve ordered will like Acidic (ericaceaous) soil. Although any good multipurpose compost is suitable, John Innes No 3 is recommended for most lilies. You can also add horticultural grit if the soil appears to dense.
Arrange the Lilies in an odd-number grouping.
As you are planting in pots and the varieties you have chosen are also known as Tree-lilies, we would recommend planting them in heavy patio pots to hold the weight of these tall lilies. Plant 3 bulbs in a 14-16″ ‘patio type’ pot.
Plant the bulbs pointy end up with 6″ of soil above them. You can add crocks to the bottom of the container if you wish, these will help with drainage and weighing the pot down.
Lilies can tolerate very cold conditions but they do not like to get wet.
Make sure lilies are kept moist but do not get waterlogged.
Lilies prefer to be planted in a location with at least half a day’s full sunshine, if it’s a bit too shady they will lean their stems towards the sun.
Lily bulbs do not like to be dried out so they must be kept in soil at all times even during the winter (It may be an idea to tilt the pots on their side in the winter to prevent waterlog). Lilies are happy to stay outside during the winter as they like a cold dormant phase so no need to worry about frost.
Try to plant your lilies where they will dry out after rain to prevent Botrytis, a fungus that spots the leaves. If you do see brown spots on your leaves, spray with a fungicide recommended for roses.
When the Lily has finished flowering, cut any seed heads back and allow the foliage to die back naturally. Do not be tempted to cut the stem back until stems becomes hollow and brown.
After a few years of flowering, you may find the your lilies produce less blooms, it may be time to lift your bulbs and divide them by breaking off the bulblets. All the bulbs will then need replanting.
You can feed your lilies with a Tomato Feed to stimulate and strengthen your lilies when you start to see signs of growth. Make up your tomato feed with half the recommended dilution (written on the instructions on the bottle) and feed once every 3 weeks.
Hope this all helps.
Kind regards
The Hart Family
