Lilies - Getting ready for Fall

Getting ready for Fall
Garden lilies are the rare breed of flower bulb you can plant in the spring or fall.

Lilies are winter-hardy bulbs that bloom in summer, not spring, and because they don't require the cold treatment that spring bulbs do, lilies never enter a dormant state and thus will begin growing whenever they're planted, spring or fall. Technically, whichever season you choose, you're never really planting true lilies, you're transplanting them.

Planting lilies is easy and, once established, they're remarkably trouble-free for flowers so flamboyant. But how you plant them matters:

Well-drained soil is a must. Moist soil is good; soggy soil is not. Collected water or puddles will kill lilies even faster than other bulbs.

Plant most types six inches deep (position the bulb in the hole sideways so water won't collect between the bulb scales). Amend heavy soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Sunny spots or partial shade are best.

Water well after planting to prompt rooting. Though fall planting of lilies is a great idea, it's not an absolute necessity. Unlike tulips and most other fall-planted bulbs, with lilies you get another chance to plant come spring.