Yes, You Can Successfully Plant Lily Bulbs in the Fall for Beautiful Blooms Next Summer

Lilies are prized for their elegant, vibrant blooms that add captivating color to gardens. Many gardeners interested in growing lilies wonder if fall or spring is the best time for planting lily bulbs. While spring planting is more common, planting lily bulbs in the fall can be an excellent option.

Fall planting allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter dormancy, often resulting in stronger plants and more abundant blooms compared to spring planting. Below we’ll explore the benefits of fall lily bulb planting, Along with tips for success.

Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant Lily Bulbs

While fall-planted bulbs like tulips and daffodils are a familiar concept, some gardeners are unsure about fall planting for lilies However, many advantages make autumn an ideal season

• Stronger root development – With 6+ weeks of fall growth before dormancy, lily bulbs have time to anchor roots deeply.

• Earlier spring emergence – Fall-planted lily bulbs often sprout earlier in spring once soil warms.

• Larger blooms – The extensive root system and early emergence promotes bigger, taller blooms

• First year flowering – Most bulbs flower within a year of fall planting versus taking a year when spring planted.

• Natural winter chill – The cold period bulbs need to bloom well occurs naturally with fall planting.

• Convenience – Fall planting lets you tackle multiple garden tasks at once as you put the garden to bed.

In general, aim to plant lily bulbs 4-6 weeks before your first expected fall frost for best results.

Choosing the Best Lily Bulb Varieties for Fall Planting

While most lilies do well when fall planted, some varieties flourish more than others:

• Asiatic hybrids – Early to midsummer blooms, wide color range, 2-4 feet tall. Most popular for fall planting.

• Oriental hybrids – Elegant late summer blooms, often fragrant. Grow 3-5 feet tall.

• Tiger lilies – Hardy, orange flowers with black spots that bloom in midsummer. Grow 3-6 feet.

• Turk’s cap lilies – Drooping blooms in late summer, grow 3-6 feet. Prefer partial shade.

• Martagon lilies – Whorled, nodding blooms in mid-late summer. Grows 2-5 feet.

Choose bulbs that are firm, with no mushy spots, mold, or damage. Large, healthy bulbs produce the best results.

Where to Plant Lily Bulbs in Fall

Selecting the right planting site is key to success with fall-planted lily bulbs:

• Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is especially important.

• Soil: Rich, humus-heavy, and well-draining. Amend clay or sandy soils.

• Drainage: Avoid soggy, wet sites prone to standing water which rots bulbs.

• Spacing: Give bulbs 9-12 inches of space all around depending on mature plant width.

• Depth: Plant bulbs 3-4 times as deep as the bulb is tall for excellent winter protection.

Step-By-Step Guide to Planting Lily Bulbs in Fall

Follow these tips for proper technique when fall planting your lily bulbs:

• Loosen soil at least 12 inches deep where bulbs will be planted. Break up any compaction.

• Mix compost, peat moss, or other organic matter into soil to enrich and improve drainage.

• Dig a hole or trench for bulbs as deep as recommended for variety. Loosening the soil at the bottom is helpful.

• Place bulbs root-side down in holes, spaced properly apart. Completely cover bulbs with soil.

• Water the planted bulbs well, soaking soil deeply. Let excess moisture drain away.

• Consider adding mulch over the planted area to regulate soil temperature and moisture through winter.

• Mark planted areas with stakes or signs so you recall locations when growth emerges next spring.

Proper planting depth is critical to protect lily bulbs from harsh winter cold. Don’t take shortcuts and plant too shallowly.

Caring for Fall-Planted Lily Bulbs

Once planted, fall-planted lily bulbs require minimal care until spring:

• Water bulbs weekly until ground freezes if rainfall is lacking. Prevent soil drying out.

• Apply mulch over planted areas. 4-6 inches of leaves, straw or wood chips helps insulate soil.

• Check periodically that squirrels or rodents haven’t disturbed planted bulbs. Replace any damaged bulbs promptly.

• In very cold climates, temporarily cover beds with evergreen boughs for extra protection if needed. Remove once soils thaw in spring.

• Resume watering weekly once soils thaw and bulbs start growing. Reduce frequency as plants establish.

• Applying organic bulb fertilizer or compost when growth begins in spring promotes lush foliage and blooms.

• Stake/support taller lily varieties as needed in early summer to prevent toppling once heavy blooms appear.

Fall care is focused on helping newly planted lily bulbs safely overwinter. Then let your spring and summer watering and care routine take over.

Extend Your Bloom Season with Successive Fall Lily Bulb Plantings

One fun strategy to get the most from fall bulb planting is to stagger plantings over several weeks. Early, mid and late-blooming lily varieties can extend your bloom season for months.

• Early: Turk’s Cap, Asiatic early hybrids – Plant in early fall

• Mid: Martagon, Speciosum, Henryi hybrids – Plant in mid-fall

• Late: Oriental hybrids, Tiger lilies – Plant in late fall

Mixing planting dates from September through November results in waves of lovely lilies in summer.

Digging Up and Storing Lily Bulbs Over Winter

In extremely cold regions, gardeners sometimes dig up fall-planted lily bulbs after the ground freezes and store them over winter. This prevents the loss of bulbs from severe cold.

• Allow the ground to harden with a few frosts before carefully digging and lifting bulbs.

• Brush off excess soil but don’t wash bulbs. Dry bulbs in a shaded spot 1-2 weeks.

• Store bulbs in breathable mesh bags or trays in a cool (35-45°F), dark place like a basement or garage.

• Check regularly that bulbs aren’t rotting or sprouting. Discard any problem bulbs.

• Replant the stored bulbs in early spring once soil can be worked again.

Storing tender lily bulbs over winter is an option if you anticipate them being vulnerable to cold damage in your garden.

Troubleshooting Issues with Fall-Planted Lily Bulbs

While fall planting of lily bulbs is usually successful, a few potential problems can arise:

• Failed bloom – Caused by planting too shallowly or soil drying out. Ensure proper depth and consistent moisture.

• Small flowers – Results from planting too late in fall or choosing small bulbs. Plant earlier with large bulbs.

• Rotting bulbs – Due to poorly-draining soil staying excessively wet. Improve drainage before replanting.

• Rodent damage – Deter mice, voles and squirrels by planting deeper, using cages, or applying repellents.

• Foliar diseases – Improve air flow and promptly remove affected foliage to manage. Avoid overhead watering.

Adjusting planting practices and care can help prevent issues and get your fall-planted lily bulbs thriving.

Achieve Glorious Blooms by Fall Planting Lily Bulbs

With attention to ideal planting time, proper technique, suitable varieties, and follow-up care, planting lily bulbs in autumn often leads to remarkable results. The extra root growth before winter coupled with the early spring emergence results in plants with impressive stature and flower power. Extend your enjoyment by mixing early, mid and late-blooming bulbs for months of flowers. With just a little fall planning, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable lily display next summer.