Hi Belinda,

Lily bulbs are large, meaning they need to be planted deep, about 6-8 inches. The length of your hand is one way to tell how deep to plant these : ) BTW, I love these lilies! They are so beautiful & fragrant.

Jen

Thanks, so much, Jen! That is a big help...I wanted to plant them last evening, but I was paranoid that I would plant them incorrectly. I appreciate you pointing me in the right direction...now I can get them on their way! :-) I can't wait to see them bloom, if they bloom, of course! lol

Thank you again...

...Belinda

Hi Belinda,
With only a few exceptions, (Candidum for instance), Lilies are stem rooting plants and benefit from being planted deep, 8" - 10". Other exceptions are species lilies that have small bulbs like pumilum and cernuum.

Also, since lily bulbs are tasty, planting deep keeps the squirrels from getting them in the winter. A deep insulating layer of soil also helps moderate wide temperature swings in late winter that can fool bulbs into sprouting early.

If you've already planted them don't worry, the stem rooting is beneficial, but 2" doesn't make a big difference. Just mulch them well in the Fall.

-Helen

I asked my DH to transplant some for me (my carpal tunnel was acting up) and just noticed a couple were planted too shallowly! This was done a week or more ago. Do I need to replant these? Or is it too late now? I had planted them in a holding bed last fall because I bought the bulbs then couldn't get into the dense garden jungle to plant them. These are Orientals, which I have not grown before.

Hi Linnea56

Since they were transplanted only a couple weeks ago they haven't had much time to establish so I'd go ahead and move them now.

Just be careful when digging to not break off the stem that may be beginning to emerge from the bulb underground and try to disturb the roots as little as possible. The soil should still be pretty soft around them so it shouldn't be too difficult to dig them up gently.

But honestly, one of the great things about lilies is that they're not "fussy" plants. If you'd prefer to set them deeper in the Fall, (assuming a new "jungle" hasn't grown up by then), they would grow fine this season. Deeper is just more ideal.

-Helen

Are Stargazers different from Orientals?

Stargazers are one type of Oriental Lily. While it is the most popular, there are many others.

-Helen

Helen,
Thanks so much for answering my question - my apologies for the delay in thanking you.
I will wait until the leaves and stems have died back, early fall, as you say; better to have them for years to come than ruin them now.
This is a wonderful forum. Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Peter
NYC

I just purchased 14 Stargazer lily bulbs. Is it OK to plant them now, or do I need to wait until spring?

Thanks,
Mano
Virginia

Mano,
Plant them ASAP. Lilies do not go dormant like other bulbs. They will be weaker if you will store them. We will have pretty decent frost free weather next week here in Mid-Atlantic area, so the soil will be workable. Provide them with excellent drainage. Good luck!

Alina,

Thanks, I read your note and went outside immediately and planted them. The weather today is overcast and 50 degrees, so it was perfect to dig a few holes.

I'll report back when they bloom. Thanks again for the advice.

Mano

You're welcome! I hope you chose a sunny spot for them. Watch for slugs when your Lilies will start to sprout.

Alina.

I don't have a great deal of sun in my yard. I'm on 3 acres, but in the woods; however, I planted them where I get the most sun. Some that I planted a couple of years ago did very well last year just a few feet away, so I hope it will be OK.

Mano

I just planted my Lillie's in the soil. I was wondering how much water I needed to give the bulbs and how long do the bulbs take to sprout?