How to Grow Beautiful Daylilies from Seeds

Daylilies are a gorgeous addition to any garden. Their colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in a wide range of colors including yellow, pink, red, purple, and orange. Once established, daylilies are also low maintenance perennials that come back year after year with very little care required.

While daylilies are most commonly propagated by dividing existing plants, growing daylilies from seeds is an easy, inexpensive way to add these stunning flowers to your yard or garden. In this article, we’ll walk through the simple process of planting daylily seeds so you can grow these beautiful blooms from scratch.

When to Plant Daylily Seeds

Daylily seeds can be planted in early spring once the threat of frost has passed They need warm soil temperatures to germinate, so wait until the soil has reached at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before sowing them

In mild climates, you may be able to plant the seeds directly in the garden But if you live in an area with cold springs, it’s best to start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost is gone.

How to Plant Daylily Seeds Outdoors

Planting daylily seeds directly in the garden is an easy process. Follow these simple steps:

• Prepare the soil: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade exposure. Daylilies prefer fertile, well-draining soil. Add compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil if needed.

• Create shallow furrows: Rake the soil smooth and use a hoe or stick to make 1⁄2 inch deep furrows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Planting in furrows helps mark where the seeds are sown for easier care.

• Sow seeds: Sprinkle seeds along the furrows, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Cover the seeds lightly with about 1⁄4 inch of soil or sand.

• Label: Mark the rows with plant labels so you remember where the seeds were planted.

• Water: Water the planted seeds regularly to keep the soil moist. Aim to keep the top 1-2 inches of soil damp until the seedlings emerge.

• Nurture growth: In about 1-2 weeks, the daylily seedlings should begin to sprout. When the plants are 2-3 inches tall, thin them so the strongest seedlings are 6-12 inches apart. Keep them well-watered and weed free as they establish.

Starting Daylily Seeds Indoors

If you want to get a head start on the growing season, daylily seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Here’s how:

• Use seed starting mix: Fill starter trays or pots with a lightweight seed starting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.

• Plant seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds in each cell, covering with 1⁄4 inch of mix.

• Provide warmth: Set the containers in a warm spot (65-70°F) with bright, indirect light.

• Maintain moisture: Cover the containers with plastic wrap or place in a greenhouse dome to retain moisture. Check daily and water just enough to keep the soil moderately moist.

• Give air circulation: Once sprouted, remove any coverings and allow air circulation around the seedlings.

• Fertilize: Apply a diluted plant fertilizer once true leaves appear.

• Harden off: Over 7-10 days, slowly introduce the seedlings to the outdoors to harden them off before transplanting.

• Transplant: Carefully dig up the seedlings and transplant them to the garden after the last spring frost date. Water well and protect from harsh sun initially.

Caring for Growing Daylilies

Once your daylily seedlings are established in the garden, follow these care tips to help them thrive:

• Sun and soil: Grow daylilies in full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of sun per day and fertile, well-drained soil.

• Water: Supply 1-1.5 inches of water per week in dry periods. Avoid overwatering.

• Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced flower fertilizer once or twice during spring growth. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower scapes after blooms fade to encourage reblooming.

• Division: Mature plants can be divided every 3-5 years in fall to propagate and rejuvenate the daylilies.

• Pruning: Cut back foliage to about 6 inches after first fall frost.

• Winter care: Add a layer of mulch over the dormant fans after pruning to insulate roots over winter.

Troubleshooting Problems

Daylilies are not prone to many issues, but here are some potential problems and solutions:

• Failure to flower: This can be caused by too much shade or nitrogen. Move plants to a sunny spot and use a balanced fertilizer.

• Leaf spots or rust: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage and treat with fungicides if needed.

• Insect pests: Aphids, thrips, spider mites, and Japanese beetles may sometimes infest plants. Control with organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil.

• Rodent damage: Mice, voles or squirrels may eat roots and buds. Use traps, repellents, or barriers to protect plants.

Enjoying the Benefits of Daylilies

Growing daylilies from seed does take some patience, as most plants won’t bloom until their second or third year. But the wait is well worth it when those vibrant, carefree flowers finally arrive! Daylilies add three seasons of interest to the garden with their lush summer foliage, abundant blooms, and striking winter forms.

Starting these versatile perennials from seed is very rewarding. As your plants establish and multiply over the years, you’ll have plenty to share with gardening friends and family too. Before long, you may have beautiful drifts of daylilies gracing your landscape – all grown yourself from just a small seed packet.

So give seed propagation a try this spring and enjoy watching your new daylily garden take shape. The simple process of nurturing those tiny seeds yields amazing results! With a bit of time and care, you’ll have vibrant flowers blooming in every hue.