Tiger lily is a common herbaceous perennial plant with strap-like leaves and flower stems that are 3 to 5 feet tall and have orange petals that are usually curved and have dark spots on them. Tiger lilies grow best in the sun in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. The plant tolerates swings in temperature and humidity without fuss.
The pollen is toxic to humans, and the plant is toxic to cats, not dogs or horses.
Tiger lilies are a stunning addition to any garden with their bright orange blooms speckled with dark spots While often purchased as bulbs, growing tiger lilies from seed is an easy and rewarding endeavor. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planting tiger lily seeds for vibrant flowers this summer.
An Overview of Tiger Lilies
With trumpet-shaped flowers in fiery shades of orange and red, tiger lilies live up to their name. These hardy perennials are native to Asia and feature prominent dark spots on their curved petals that resemble a tiger’s pattern. Tiger lilies can grow up to 5 feet tall, blooming in mid to late summer.
While they prefer full sun, tiger lilies are adaptable to partial shade. They thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained soil and have average watering needs Once established, mature plants tolerate droughts quite well. But consistent moisture is key, especially for young plants grown from seed
When to Plant Tiger Lily Seeds
Tiger lily seeds require exposure to cold, moist conditions before they will germinate. This cold stratification mimics winter weather and triggers the seeds to break dormancy when warmer spring temperatures arrive.
Fall
Planting tiger lily seeds in fall allows them to experience the winter cold naturally. Sow seeds in late fall once temperatures have cooled. The seeds will sit in the ground over winter before sprouting in spring.
Winter
You can also cold stratify seeds indoors over winter before planting them out in spring. Simply store seeds for 8-12 weeks in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel before sowing.
Spring
If planting in spring, make sure to choose seeds that have already been stratified so they are ready to germinate when sown.
How to Plant Tiger Lily Seeds
Follow these simple steps for growing tiger lilies from seed:
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Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Amend dense soil with compost to improve drainage.
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Prepare seed trays or pots with sterile, soilless seed starting mix. Moisten the mix before planting.
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Sow seeds just below the surface, about 1⁄4 inch deep. Space seeds 2 inches apart.
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Water gently to settle the seeds into the soil without washing them away.
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If desired, cover trays with plastic wrap or place in a plastic bag until sprouts emerge to retain moisture.
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Move to a bright, sunny spot once seedlings appear. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart.
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Harden off young plants before transplanting into the garden after the last spring frost.
Ongoing Care for Seedlings
Here are a few tips to ensure your homegrown tiger lilies thrive:
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Water new seedlings regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top few inches to dry out between waterings.
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Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
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Weed the area carefully to prevent damaging the shallow roots.
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Mulch around seedlings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Stake tall plants if needed to prevent flopping.
When Will Tiger Lilies Bloom from Seed?
Patience is key when growing tiger lilies from seed. It can take 2-3 years for plants to reach maturity and produce flowers. The first year, seedlings focus energy on root establishment. In following years, they gain height and finally flower. But the wait is worth it for free plants and gorgeous blooms!
Common Problems and Solutions
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Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and ensure good drainage.
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Wilting can occur from underwatering, heat stress, or transplant shock. Gradually acclimate seedlings and maintain even moisture.
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Leggy growth means plants need more light. Move them into full sun.
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Pests like aphids and lily beetles can be controlled with insecticidal soap sprayed directly on bugs.
With proper care, growing tiger lilies from seed is an easy and budget-friendly way to add their bold, speckled blooms to your landscape. Just provide bright light, nutrient-rich soil, consistent moisture, and time for seeds to mature. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with vivid orange flowers for years to come.
Potting and Repotting Tiger Lily
If you want to grow tiger lilies in a pot, make sure it is at least 8 inches wide and deep and has lots of drainage holes. Unglazed clay is an ideal container material because it allows excess moisture to evaporate through its walls. Use a quality, well-draining potting mix.
You’ll likely have to repot or divide your plant every few years. Roots that grow out of the drainage holes or above the soil line mean that your plant’s roots are getting crowded and needs a bigger pot.
To repot, gently ease the plant out of its old pot. Put it in a new pot that has enough space between the root ball and the wall of the pot to leave a couple of inches of space. Fill around it with fresh potting mix.
How to Grow Tiger Lily From Seed
It’s easy to grow tiger lilies from their seeds or bulbils. If they’ve already ripened on their parent plant, plant them in the fall. If it’s still cold in the spring, plant them then. Take these steps:
- Put each bulbil and root down in the soil about 1/2 to 1 inch deep.
- Place them in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
- During the winter, roots will grow, and when the weather warms up in the spring, leaves will grow.
How to Propagate Tiger Lilies from Bulbils || Quick & Easy Guide
FAQ
How long does it take to grow tiger lilies from seed?
Are lilies hard to grow from seed?
How to collect seeds from tiger lilies?
Do tiger lilies come back every year?
When to plant tiger lily seeds?
When to plant tiger lily seeds is a topic that gardeners often ask about. The best time to plant tiger lily seeds is in the fall, from September to November. This will give the seeds time to germinate over the winter and emerge in the spring. Tiger lily seeds should be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
How do you plant tiger lily seeds?
If you are planting tiger lily seeds in the summer or fall, you can sow them directly in the garden. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole about 2 inches deep and plant the seeds about 4 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water them well. The seeds will germinate in about 2-3 weeks.
Can Tiger Lilies be grown from seeds?
Medicinally, tiger lilies are believed to relieve congestion and nausea. Most lilies, including the tiger lily, are grown from bulbs. However, the tiger lily can also be grown from seeds harvested from the plants. Did you plant herbs this year? Put two tiger lily seeds into each of your plastic sandwich bags about three weeks before the last frost.
How do you propagate a Tiger Lily?
To protect your plants, you can spray them with a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap. Tiger lilies can be propagated by division or by seed. To divide a tiger lily, carefully dig up the plant and divide it into two or more sections. To sow tiger lily seeds, sow them in the spring or fall.
Can tiger lilies grow in wet soil?
Tiger lilies are not tolerant of wet soil, so it is important to make sure that the soil drains well. To plant tiger lily seeds, dig a hole that is about twice the depth of the seed. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
How long do Tiger Lilies take to grow?
Cover the seeds with soil and water well. Tiger lily seeds will typically germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, you can thin them out so that they are spaced about 12 inches apart. Tiger lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require some care.