{"id":4842,"date":"2020-07-14T15:59:53","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T14:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/?page_id=4842"},"modified":"2025-07-07T15:32:53","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:32:53","slug":"how-to-plant-lilies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/how-to-plant-lilies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to plant Lilies"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/New-Lilies-2025-1020-x-380-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1020\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/New-Lilies-2025-1020-x-380-2.png 1020w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/New-Lilies-2025-1020-x-380-2-300x112.png 300w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/New-Lilies-2025-1020-x-380-2-768x286.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/New-Lilies-2025-1020-x-380-2-500x186.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h1>How to Plant Your Lily Bulbs<\/h1>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Planting in the Garden<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Find a location with full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Ensure the soil is well dug and free draining.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Plant the bulbs with 10-15cm (4-6&#8243;) of soil above them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Plant the bulbs 12-20cm (5-8&#8243;) apart.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Plant with the pointy end of the bulb up.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Planting in Pots\/Containers<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Find a location with full sun or partial shade.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">We suggest planting 5 bulbs in a 15 litre pot (15&#8243; in diameter).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Space bulbs about 12cm (5&#8243;) apart in a group.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Use a multipurpose compost with added grit for drainage.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Plant the bulbs with 10-15cm (4-6&#8243;) of soil above them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Plant with the pointy end of the bulb up.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Overwintering<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>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 become hollow and brown.<\/li>\r\n<li>Believe it or not, lilies like a cold-dormant phase and like to be left where they are during winter, just ensure there is adequate drainage so they can\u2019t get waterlogged. Lilies are very hardy and can tolerate up to -20\u00b0c.<\/li>\r\n<li>Many people have lilies for a cut flower garden, if you do wish to cut lilies for indoor arrangements, then ensure to leave 50cm of stem to allow for another season of flower the following year.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Care Guide<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>To prevent Lily Beetles from damaging your lilies, we recommend using the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lily-Beetle-Prevention.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lily Beetle Prevention Spray<\/a>\u00a0or you can make up your own with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lily-Beetle-Prevention-Concentrate.html\">Concentrate<\/a>. This Spray (Grazers G4) will also stimulate growth of your lilies.<\/li>\r\n<li>You can feed your lilies with a diluted 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.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" data-id=\"4788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/red-lily-beetle-1-1-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lily-Beetle-Prevention.html\">Red Scarlet lily Beetle <\/a><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lily-Beetle-Prevention.html\">Lilioceris lilii<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1785\" \/>\r\n<h2>How to choose your lilies<\/h2>\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"498\">With their stunning colours and elegant shapes, lilies are a garden favourite for good reason. Whether you love bold and vibrant blooms or soft pastels; towering stems or compact varieties; fragrant or unscented flowers\u2014there\u2019s a lily for everyone.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"581\">I\u2019m often asked, \u201cHow do I choose the right lily?\u201d Here&#8217;s where I always begin:<\/p>\r\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Where are you thinking of planting your lilies?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"739\">Start by thinking about where you&#8217;d like to grow your lilies\u2014in pots or directly in the garden?<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"1016\">In pots or containers: You can choose <em data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"790\">any<\/em> type of lily. Different lilies prefer different soils, but with pots, you can easily tailor the compost mix. A high-quality, peat-free, multi-purpose compost with added drainage (like perlite or grit) works well for most.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"1016\">In borders: You\u2019ll need to consider your soil type (more on that below).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Scented of unscented lilies?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1218\">Next, ask yourself: Do you want fragrance, or are you focused on vibrant colour?<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1363\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Asiatic-Lilies\/\">Unscented Asiatic Lilies<\/a> are perfect for bold, eye-catching displays. They come in bright yellows, oranges, reds, and striking two-tones.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1363\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Oriental-Lilies\/\">Scented Oriental Lilies <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Roselily-Series\/\">Roselilies<\/a> fill the garden with their heady perfume and come in soft pinks, whites, and even yellows.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Tall or short lilies?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1590\">Lilies come in all sizes\u2014from compact to towering.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"1594\" data-end=\"1706\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Pot-Lilies\/\">Pot <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Pot-Lilies\/\">Dwarf Lilies<\/a> are great for small spaces and containers, available in both Asiatic and Oriental types.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1594\" data-end=\"1706\">For a show-stopping display, try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Tree-like-Lilies\/\">Tree Lilies (Oriental Trumpets)<\/a>, which can reach up to an incredible 7 feet tall!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Do you know your soil type?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1941\">If you&#8217;re planting in garden borders, your soil pH matters:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"2001\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Asiatic-Lilies\/\">Asiatic lilies<\/a> prefer alkaline to neutral soils.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"2001\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Oriental-Lilies\/\">Oriental lilies<\/a> thrive in acidic soils.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2177\">But whatever your soil, the golden rule is good drainage. Lily bulbs must never sit in soggy soil\u2014this leads to rot.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">not sure of your soil type?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2275\">Stick with pots or choose versatile hybrid varieties like:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2310\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Oriental-Trumpet-Lilies\/\">OT (Oriental Trumpet) Lilies<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2310\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Longiflorum-Asiatic-Lilies\/\">LA (Longiflorum Asiatic) Hybrids<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2310\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Longiflorum-Oriental-Lilies\/\">LO (Longiflorum Oriental) Hybrids<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2472\">These hybrids are both stunning and adaptable, thriving in any well-drained soil.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\"><hr data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1785\" \/>\r\n<h2 data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"221\"><strong data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"221\">Lily FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Do I need to feed my lilies?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1506\" data-end=\"1552\">Yes, feeding helps boost growth and flowering:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1602\">Use a slow-release fertiliser at planting.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1602\">Alternatively, use a half-strength tomato feed during the growing season.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1602\">Our Lily Beetle Prevention Spray also promotes healthy growth while protecting your plants.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">How do I get rid of lily beetles?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1913\">Be vigilant! Check your plants daily, especially in spring and early summer.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1999\">Use our Lily Beetle Prevention Spray to help prevent and control infestations.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2061\">Squash any beetles or larvae you spot by hand if necessary.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Do lilies multiply?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2150\">Yes, lilies will multiply naturally over time.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2219\">In containers, they may become pot-bound after 2\u20133 years.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2314\">At that point, lift the bulbs, gently separate any small bulblets, and replant them.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2367\">Bulblets may take a couple of years to flower.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Are lilies poisonous to cats and dogs?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2508\">Yes\u2014lilies are toxic to pets if ingested. Pollen is especially harmful to cats.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"2512\" data-end=\"2564\">Keep lilies out of reach of pets and small children.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2626\">To reduce risk, remove the stamens as the flower opens.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2713\">Consider pollen-free varieties, such as Roselilies and Double Orientals.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #7cb600;\">Should I lift lily bulbs in winter?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2859\">Lilies benefit from a cold dormant phase and can be left in the ground over winter.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2907\">In borders, ensure the soil drains well.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2910\" data-end=\"2990\">In pots, you can tilt the container on its side to prevent waterlogging.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3089\">If you\u2019re worried, lift bulbs and store them in slightly moist peat or compost until spring.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background\" style=\"border-radius: 50px; background-color: #7cb618; color: #fffffa;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lilies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/Lilies\/ noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0SHOP Lilies \u2192\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Plant Your Lily Bulbs Planting in the Garden Find a location with full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Ensure the soil is well dug and free draining. Plant the bulbs with 10-15cm (4-6&#8243;) of soil above &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/how-to-plant-lilies\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"showcase.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4842","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4842"}],"version-history":[{"count":80,"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4842\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12768,"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4842\/revisions\/12768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hartsnursery.co.uk\/lily-info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}