How to Plant Lilies Bulbs in Pots

Planting lilies bulbs in pots is easy and rewarding. Lilies not only provide beautiful blooms, but they also add a lovely fragrance to any garden or patio. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant lilies bulbs in pots.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step is to choose the right pot. Lilies grow best in a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide. The pot should also have drainage holes to prevent over-watering. Terra cotta pots are a good choice as they are porous and allow water to evaporate, preventing root rot.

Selecting the Soil

The soil you use is an important factor in the success of growing lilies bulbs in pots. Lilies prefer well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. A good potting mix for lilies should contain peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and some organic matter like compost.

Planting the Bulbs

The next step is to plant the bulbs. Fill the pot with soil to about one-third of the way up. Gently press the lily bulbs into the soil, making sure they’re spaced about 6 inches apart. Cover the bulbs with soil and gently tamp it down. Be sure to leave about an inch of space between the soil and the top of the pot to allow for watering.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water the pot well after planting and be sure to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Lilies prefer slightly moist soil, so water only when the top few inches of soil feel dry. A well-drained potting mix will help prevent overwatering.

At planting time, it’s also a good idea to add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Lilies are heavy feeders, so a slow-release fertilizer will provide the nutrients they need over time without burning the roots. Apply fertilizer according to the package instructions.

Caring for Your Potted Lilies

After the bulbs have sprouted, it’s important to keep the soil moist and feed the plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Lilies need plenty of sunlight, so place the pot in a sunny spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

To encourage blooming, remove the dead flowers as soon as they appear. This will prevent the plant from putting energy into forming seeds and instead direct it towards producing more blooms. In the fall, after the lilies have finished blooming and the foliage has died back, cut it back to the soil level and store the pot in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Conclusion

Planting lilies bulbs in pots is a great way to add lovely blooms and fragrance to your garden or patio. By following these simple steps and caring for your potted lilies, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms that will brighten up even the dreariest of days.