Lilies are a beautiful and versatile flower that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But over time, lily clumps can become overcrowded and crowded out other plants. This can lead to reduced blooms and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Dividing lily bulbs is a great way to rejuvenate your lily garden and keep your plants healthy and blooming for years to come.
Why divide lily bulbs?
There are several reasons to divide lily bulbs:
- To improve bloom production: Over time, lily clumps can become overcrowded and crowded out other plants. This can lead to reduced blooms. Dividing lily bulbs helps to create more space for each plant to grow and thrive, resulting in more blooms.
- To improve plant health: Overcrowded lily clumps are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Dividing lily bulbs helps to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
- To propagate new plants: Dividing lily bulbs is a great way to propagate new plants. This is a great way to save money on new plants and to share your favorite lilies with friends and family.
When to divide lily bulbs
The best time to divide lily bulbs is in the fall, after they have finished blooming and the foliage has started to yellow. This gives the bulbs time to establish themselves before the winter. However, you can also divide lily bulbs in the spring, just be sure to do so before the new growth emerges.
How to divide lily bulbs
To divide lily bulbs, start by digging up the clump. Be careful not to damage the roots. Once the clump has been dug up, shake off any excess soil. Then, gently pull the bulbs apart. Be careful not to damage the roots or bulbs.
If the bulbs are tightly clumped together, you may need to use a sharp knife to separate them. Be careful not to cut yourself.
Once the bulbs have been separated, inspect them for any signs of damage or disease. Discard any damaged or diseased bulbs.
Planting divided lily bulbs
Plant the divided lily bulbs in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting. Plant the bulbs at a depth of two to three times their height.
Water the bulbs well after planting. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Tips for dividing and planting lily bulbs
Here are a few tips for dividing and planting lily bulbs:
- Divide lily bulbs every three to four years.
- Divide lily bulbs in the fall, after they have finished blooming and the foliage has started to yellow.
- If you divide lily bulbs in the spring, do so before the new growth emerges.
- Be careful not to damage the roots or bulbs when dividing them.
- Inspect the bulbs for any signs of damage or disease before planting. Discard any damaged or diseased bulbs.
- Plant the divided lily bulbs in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
- Plant the bulbs at a depth of two to three times their height.
- Water the bulbs well after planting. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Conclusion
Dividing lily bulbs is a simple and effective way to rejuvenate your lily garden and keep your plants healthy and blooming for years to come. By following the tips above, you can easily divide your lily bulbs and enjoy their beauty for the entire growing season.
Distinct iteration of an invitation to check out the full care guide:
If you want to learn more about how to care for your lilies, including tips on watering, fertilizing, and preventing pests and diseases, please check out our full care guide.
Bonus tip: When dividing lily bulbs, be sure to save some of the bulblets. Bulblets are small bulbs that form around the main bulb. Bulblets can be planted and grown into new plants.
