Lilies come in a wide range of types each with its own growth requirements. The first step that should be taken when growing lilies is to select the kind of lilies one intends to grow. This will determine the method of growing that will be used. However, irrespective of which type of lilies is grown, the following procedure can aid in successful growth of lilies.
- Select the site and soil where the lilies will be grown. The flowers can be grown in pots or in a flower bed. The soil should be well aerated and drained well naturally. If it is not aerated, place gravel at the bottom of the pot or bed. Ensure the soil has a good supply of plant nutrients. Take note that some types of lilies require a location that is damp while others do well in alkaline soil.
- Dig about one foot deep and add fertilizer to the soil. Ensure that the two mix thoroughly. Other materials such as peat moss, leaf mold and any other material can be added at this point as compost.
- If planting in sandy soil, the holes dug should be at least 2 inches deep.
- Ensure that the space between two small lilies should be about 6 to 7 inches apart while larger ones should be 1 foot apart.
- To remove weeds, cultivate shallowly, taking care not to break the undergrowth.
- Add mulch or peat moss to keep out weeds as well as conserve the plant moisture while keeping the roots cooler.
- Stake the flowers if necessary taking care not to ruin the foliage.
- You can fertilize the plants by adding wholly balanced fertilizer to the soil. Slow-release fertilizers can be used. Fertilizers that contain a lot of nitrogen should be avoided since they weaken the stems of the plant and lower the yield.
- Remove the lower leaves leaving at least three quarter of the leaves in order to keep the plant from getting infected with diseases and keep the plant tidy as well.
- After the flowers have bloomed, they make use of their leaves to manufacture food which is stored in the bulbs.
- After they have flowered, the lilies will hardly require any water. Some types of lilies may still require water such as the Orientals during the dry hot summers.
- The lilies increase gradually by division of the large bulbs as well as the growth of the small bulbs on the below-ground system. At this point however they are ready for harvest.
Growing of lilies can be done in both lightly shaded and sunny conditions depending on the species selected. Generally, lilies flourish well in slightly acidic and moist soil.