How to Plant and Grow Lilies

lilies

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Lilies are some of the most beautiful and vibrant flowers to be found. Their large, expansive blossom can brighten up a yard or room as they bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. Lilies can be planted in either the spring or fall, but most experts advise you to plant as early as possible. Once you purchase a lily, you should plant it as soon as possible so that the bulbs do not dry out. For all the beauty they provide, these plants are relatively low maintenance.

When deciding where to plant them in your yard, there are two main factors to consider; soil and spacing. Lilies need soil that drains well because they don’t thrive in standing water. If you don’t have a suitable area for this in your yard you can always add some gravel or moss when you plant them to facilitate draining. These plants also like to have plenty of space, which is to be expected considering how tall some of the varieties can grow and the size of the flower.

When you actually plant your lilies, you should dig a hole about a foot deep in which to place the bulb. When you plant them and during the early stages of growth, lilies should be watered frequently and fertilizer can be applied. It’s important to add some mulch around your lilies to keep the soil moist. When the lilies are in full bloom during the summer, only water the lilies if you are experiencing a drought. These plants need significant amounts of sunlight, so be sure to find a spot with plenty of sun and ensure that neighboring plants or trees won’t end up shading your lilies.

There are so many different types of lilies to choose from, ranging in size, blooming period and color. One of the best attributes of these beautiful flowers is that you can cut them and use to make a lovely arrangement for you home that can last for several weeks.