How to overwinter lilies: Keep your lilies blooming for years to come
Lilies are a beautiful and versatile flower that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But once the growing season comes to an end, what do you do with your lilies? If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to overwinter them in order to protect them from the frost.
This blog post will teach you how to overwinter lilies, so you can enjoy their blooms for years to come.
Why overwinter lilies?
Lilies are not native to cold climates, so they need to be overwintered in order to survive the winter. Overwintering lilies protects them from the frost and helps them to go dormant. This allows them to rest and recharge, so they can come back strong the following spring.
When to overwinter lilies
The best time to overwinter lilies is in the fall, after they have finished blooming and the foliage has started to yellow. It’s important to overwinter lilies before the first frost.
How to overwinter lilies
There are two ways to overwinter lilies: in the ground or in a pot.
Overwintering lilies in the ground
To overwinter lilies in the ground, simply cut the foliage back to about 6 inches tall. Then, cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves. This will help to protect the bulbs from the frost.
Overwintering lilies in a pot
To overwinter lilies in a pot, start by digging up the bulbs. Be careful not to damage the roots. Once the bulbs have been dug up, shake off any excess soil. Then, place the bulbs in a cardboard box or paper bag filled with vermiculite or peat moss. Store the bulbs in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage.
Tips for overwintering lilies
Here are a few tips for overwintering lilies:
- Make sure to overwinter lilies before the first frost.
- If you are overwintering lilies in the ground, cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch.
- If you are overwintering lilies in a pot, store the bulbs in a cool, dark location.
- Check on your lilies regularly during the winter to make sure they are not rotting.
Conclusion
Overwintering lilies is a simple process that can help to protect your plants from the frost and keep them blooming for years to come. By following the tips above, you can easily overwinter your lilies and enjoy their blooms for the entire growing season.
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: If you are overwintering lilies in a pot, you can start them indoors in the spring before the last frost. This will give your plants a head start on the growing season and you’ll be able to enjoy their blooms earlier.
