How to Plant Daylilies

Daylilies are a wonderful addition to any garden. Known for their vibrant colors and hardiness, daylilies require relatively low maintenance. In this article, we'll go over the steps to planting daylilies to ensure they thrive in your garden.

Preparing the Soil

The first step to planting daylilies is to prepare the soil. Daylilies grow best in well-draining soil, so it's important to amend your soil if it doesn't have good drainage. You can do this by adding compost, sand, or perlite to your soil. Mix in a few inches of the amendment and till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.

Choosing the Right Location

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to choose the right location for your daylilies. Daylilies prefer full sun, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. They also prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Avoid planting daylilies in areas where water tends to collect, as this can lead to root rot.

Planting the Daylilies

Now it's time to plant the daylilies. Dig a hole that's large enough to accommodate the entire root system of the plant. Make sure the hole is deep enough so that the top of the root system is level with the surface of the soil. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart, as daylilies can spread quickly.

After placing the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, taking care not to bury the crown of the plant. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. You may want to add a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Daylilies

Now that your daylilies are planted, it's important to care for them properly. Water the plants deeply once a week, taking care not to overwater. Daylilies are relatively drought-tolerant, so they don't require frequent watering. Fertilize your daylilies in the spring and again in mid-summer with a high-phosphorus fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing or damaged foliage.

Conclusion

Planting daylilies is a simple and rewarding task. With proper care, your daylilies will brighten up your garden with their vibrant colors and steadfast blooms. Remember to prepare the soil, choose the right location, and care for your daylilies properly to ensure they thrive in your garden.