Some lilies have hypogeal germination...which means they germinate below the soil surface. For the first season, there will be no top growth - martagons, unless fresh, will often do this...so be patient, all might not be lost. What lilies are they and when did you sow them?

Silk road lilys for one.. Don't know all the names of the others, but I am germinating them in wet towels inside of plastic bags.. Like all my other seeds, tomatoes flowers, peppers.. are all germinating. But none of the lilys will.

Then you recommend planting them in the soil a wait for 2 years?

yes, definitely. They may well germinate this spring and you may see little sprouting leaves but if not, be patient - lilies can take a while to get going but are surprisingly reliable. Because there is a possibility of hypogeal germination, soil planting is always the best way. Take a look at the germination pages on lilynook (I think) - there are a number of helpful websites out there.

Thanks for the advice.. First time I heard that.