How to Grow Lily Flower: A Beginner’s Guide for Gardeners

Why Grow Lily Flowers in Your Garden?

Lily flowers are one of the most beautiful and popular blooms for home gardens. Their large, colorful petals and sweet fragrance can brighten any outdoor space. Whether you are a first-time gardener or have grown flowers for years, planting lilies is rewarding and easy once you know the basics. This guide will help you understand everything about growing lily flowers—from planting bulbs to caring for healthy plants and enjoying stunning blooms year after year.

1. Lily Flower Basics: Structure and Growth Habit

Lily flowers belong to the Liliaceae family. These herbaceous perennials grow from scaly underground bulbs. Each bulb produces a stem, leaves, and large trumpet-shaped flowers that come in many colors such as white, pink, orange, red, and yellow. True lilies are different from daylilies, as they grow from bulbs, not tubers or corms.

Lily plants usually grow between 2 and 6 feet tall depending on the variety. Their blooming season varies but mostly occurs in summer. Lilies are hardy and thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

Did You Know? Some lilies, like Asiatic varieties, bloom early in summer, while Oriental lilies bloom later and have a stronger scent.

2. Popular Lily Varieties for U.S. Gardens

Here are some favorite types of lilies that American gardeners love:

• Asiatic Lilies: Early bloomers with bright, bold colors and no fragrance.
• Oriental Lilies: Late bloomers with large, fragrant flowers.
• Trumpet Lilies: Tall plants with large trumpet-shaped blooms.
• Tiger Lilies: Orange flowers with dark spots, very hardy.
• LA Hybrids: Cross between Asiatic and Trumpet lilies, with large, colorful flowers and scent.

Choose a variety based on your garden’s sunlight, climate, and your color preference.

3. When and How to Plant Lily Bulbs

Best Time to Plant

• Spring-flowering lilies (Asiatic, Trumpet): Plant bulbs in fall (September–October) for best blooms next summer.
• Summer-flowering lilies (Oriental): Plant bulbs in early spring (March–April) after the danger of frost has passed.

How to Plant

1. Select firm, healthy bulbs without mold or soft spots.
2. Prepare well-draining soil with organic matter.
3. Dig a hole about 3 times the height of the bulb (about 6 inches deep for a 2-inch bulb).
4. Place the bulb pointy end up.
5. Cover with soil and water well.

Pro Tip:

Mulch around the bulbs after planting to protect from cold and retain moisture.

4. Soil and Sunlight: What Lily Flowers Need

Lilies prefer rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0). Avoid heavy clay or soggy soils, which can cause bulbs to rot.

For the best blooms, plant lilies in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hot climates.

5. Watering and Fertilizing Lily Flowers the Right Way

Watering

Lilies need consistent moisture, especially during active growth and blooming periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Fertilizing

Feed lilies three times a year:

• In early spring when new shoots appear.
• Just before blooming to support flower growth.
• After flowering to help bulbs store energy for the next season.

Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or one higher in phosphorus to encourage blooms.

6. Pruning and Maintaining Lily Plants for Best Blooms

Remove faded flowers promptly to encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation, which drains energy from the bulb. Cut back the stems to the ground only after the foliage yellows and dies back naturally—this allows the bulb to gather nutrients. Stake taller lilies to protect them from wind damage.

7. Pest and Disease Control for Healthy Lily Flowers

Common pests include:

• Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap.
• Lily Beetles: Handpick beetles or use neem oil.
• Slugs and Snails: Use traps or natural predators.

Diseases like botrytis blight can be prevented by good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

8. Growing Lily Flowers in Pots or Containers

Lilies can grow well in containers with well-draining potting mix. Use pots at least 12 inches deep and place them in a sunny spot. Water regularly and feed monthly during the growing season.

9. How to Get More Blooms from Lily Flowers

• Plant bulbs at correct depth and spacing.
• Fertilize regularly at key growth stages.
• Remove spent flowers promptly.
• Protect from pests and diseases.
• Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

10. Best Companion Plants for Lily Flower Beds

Lilies pair well with low-growing plants that don’t shade them out, such as:

• Hostas
• Ferns
• Daylilies
• Lavender
• Salvia

These companions add texture and color without competing for sunlight.

11. Lily Flower FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Can I plant lily flowers near vegetables or herbs?

Yes, but ensure lilies get full sun. Some herbs like garlic may help deter pests.

How deep do I plant lily bulbs?

Plant bulbs about three times their height deep. For a 2-inch bulb, plant 6 inches deep.

How long do lily flowers last?

Each bloom lasts 1–2 weeks. The plant’s blooming period lasts 2–4 weeks depending on the variety.

Can lilies grow in partial shade?

Lilies prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade, though blooms may be fewer.

Are lilies toxic to pets?

Yes, many lily species are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe health issues if ingested. It's advisable to keep lilies out of reach of pets.

Do I need to lift lily bulbs in the fall?

Generally, no. In USDA zones 3–9, lilies can remain in the ground year-round, provided the soil is well-draining. Lifting is only necessary if the soil is prone to waterlogging or if you're moving the bulbs.

How often should I divide my lilies?

Divide lily clumps every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to reduced blooming and increased susceptibility to disease.

Can I grow lilies indoors?

Certain varieties, like Easter lilies, can be grown indoors in containers. Ensure they receive ample sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Beautiful Lily Flowers Year After Year

Growing lily flowers is a wonderful way to add color, fragrance, and elegance to your garden. With the right planting time, soil, watering, and care, your lilies will reward you with stunning blooms for many seasons. Follow this guide, and you’ll become confident at growing lilies that impress friends and family alike.

-MARY L. KELLS