Lilies: A Guide to Bloom Times and Care
Introduction
Lilies are beautiful and easy-to-care-for flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and their bloom times vary depending on the type of lily. In this article, we will explore the different bloom times of lilies, as well as provide tips on how to care for these beautiful flowers.
When Do Lilies Bloom?
True lilies bloom at different times between spring and fall. This means that you can enjoy lily flowers in your garden all summer long if you plant a variety of types.
-
Asiatic lilies: These lilies are the earliest to bloom, opening their pretty flowers in mid-to-late spring. The flowers last a long time in the garden, often well into summer.
-
Oriental lilies: These lilies bloom in mid-to-late summer. They are known for their huge, fragrant flowers in white, pink, and scarlet.
-
Oriental-Asiatic hybrids: These lilies tend to bloom in mid-season.
-
Oriental and double Oriental: These lilies are late season lilies.
How Long Until Lilies Bloom?
If you have recently planted lily bulbs, you may be wondering how long it will take for them to bloom. Newly planted bulbs sometimes don’t bloom at all the first growing season but will do just fine starting in year two.
Factors that can affect bloom time:
- Type of lily: Different types of lilies have different bloom times.
- Planting time: Lilies planted in the fall will bloom earlier than those planted in the spring.
- Location: Lilies planted in a sunny location will bloom earlier than those planted in a shady location.
- Soil: Lilies prefer well-drained soil.
- Water: Lilies need regular watering, especially during the summer months.
- Fertilizer: Lilies benefit from being fertilized regularly.
Troubleshooting Lily Bloom Problems
-
My lilies are not blooming: There are a few reasons why your lilies may not be blooming.
- The bulbs may not have been planted deep enough.
- The soil may be too wet or too dry.
- The lilies may not be getting enough sunlight.
- The lilies may be overcrowded.
- The bulbs may have been damaged by pests or diseases.
-
My lilies are blooming too early/late: The bloom time of lilies can be affected by the weather. For example, a warm spring can cause lilies to bloom early, while a cool spring can cause them to bloom late.
Additional Tips for Growing Lilies
- Plant lily bulbs in the fall for the best results.
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Plant the bulbs at a depth of 6-8 inches.
- Water the lilies regularly, especially during the summer months.
- Fertilize the lilies every few weeks.
- Divide the lilies every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
Conclusion
Lilies are beautiful and easy-to-care-for flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. By understanding the different bloom times of lilies and following the care tips above, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers all summer long.
