By Ann Smith
One of the main steps in the process of breeding lilies is proper planting. Although these flowers are considered less demanding in choosing a place than, for example, tulips, some errors can prevent plants from blooming or even cause rot in the bulb.
Secrets of Planting Lily Bulbs
The main thing you need to know about how to plant lily bulbs is that you are not planting them for a year or even two. The bulbs of these flowers should grow in one place for about 4-5 years. A constant annual replacement will weaken the bulbs, and, as a result, in the first year after planting, the flowers will be smaller than in subsequent years.
Lilies can be planted in the ground both in autumn and immediately at the beginning of the growing season – in spring. If you buy planting material in summer, then until next spring, it may deteriorate. Lily bulbs dry out faster than tulips, and moisture loss sometimes results in absence of blooming. If you notice that the bulb has lost its elasticity, immediately plant it in the ground.
The only reason to plant lily bulbs in the spring is to change the location. For example, you want to plant lilies on a place that is still occupied by other flowers whose flowering season ends in October-November. Another reason is that you want to renew the soil under a flowerbed with lilies – add fertilizers, fresh soil, etc. Then, it is advisable to dig up this area and then plant the lily bulbs.
Where to Plant Lilies?
The soil at the place where the lilies will be planted must be well-drained so that moisture does not stagnate. The soil can even be half-sandy – lilies do not like heavy soils. For you to admire the beautiful large flowers, the soil must be fertile. So, a few months before planting, it is advisable to apply organic or mineral fertilizers.
It is also recommended to fertilize the soil when the first sprouts of lilies appear in the spring. The bulbs are planted to a depth of about 20 cm, but if they are too young and small in size, then the hole should be much smaller. The planting depth also depends on the size of the lily bulb.
- Large bulbs need a hole 15-20 cm deep, and you also need to additionally make a place for the roots, which is 10 cm.
- Low-growing varieties are planted to a depth of 10-12 cm and an additional 10 cm for the roots.
- Small bulbs can be planted at a depth of 4-5 cm.
When you plant a lily bulb, add some fertile soil at the bottom and cover it as well. So, the bulb will receive a supply of mineral fertilizers to start development. Good luck!
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