Marianne's Response

Easter Lilly

Hi, I have three Easter lilies from last spring 2018. They have been in their original pots and outside in the sun all summer and fall. They have all rebloomed and are still in bloom. I would like to plant them into the ground. When and how do I plant them? Do I plant them while they are still blooming? They will be planted in the Graham / and South Hill of Puyallup area. Thank you.

Posted by woltzen on October 25, 2018

Marianne's Response

First congrats on your green thumb and being able to enjoy those lilies all summer. I would snip off the flowers once they fade and transplant the bulbs, stem and foliage of what is left of the lilies into the ground now. The first frost will kill the top of the plant but the bulb in the soil may survive and sprout next summer. You can cut back the stem and leaves once they turn brown. The lily bulbs will need good drainage and a sunny spot and from now on will bloom in summer and not at Easter. A  dose of Osmocote at the base of each plant in June will be all the fertilizer these bulbs will need. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti