SPROUTING TIME - Sprouts in mid May after 4-6 weeks. It takes a little longer if the temperatures are still cold.
BULB PREPARATION – Discard any unattached pieces of old roots that may have occurred.
SHELF LIFE – Plant immediately once the ground has thawed. These bulbs have been harvested and kept in cold storage since the preceding November-December.
GARDEN LOCATION – They prefer partial sun. Plant them 4-6 inches deep in the garden about eight inches apart.
POTTED PLANTS – You may plant them one per 6 inch pot or combine together into larger pots.
SOIL - Use a regular potting or garden soil. You may incorporate the peat moss that accompanied the bulbs as well.
WATER - Water upon planting and a couple times a week all summer long.
FERTILIZER – This helps maintain flower size and count from year to year. For best results, use Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) twice a month all summer long.
LIGHTING - Partial sun is preferred. Full sun is not a good location unless the soil area above the roots is covered with other plants.
SPACING AND HEIGHT – Space in the garden at least 10-12 inches apart. They will grow to 30-36 inches tall.
TEMPERATURE ZONE 3 to 9 - If planted in the ground, they will come up at the right time without worries of frost damage. If they are planted in pots, you must place your pots outside and leave them there all summer long when nights stay above 35 degrees.
WINTER DORMANCY - In late autumn, cut plants back to the ground. In the garden 4-6 inches deep, they can handle temperatures down to a negative 40 degrees below 0. In pots they can handle temperatures to 0 degrees. Consequently, place in the garage or outside where they can freeze or get at least 8 weeks below 50 degrees. Lily bulbs must be cool in the winter to produce every season.
PROPAGATING- These bulbs will re-bloom every year in the July-August period. After 4-5 years, in the spring or fall, you may divide the bulbs into small pear size divisions and replant. This is not necessary however.
CUT FLOWERS - If you want to cut your stems for a flower vase, cut only 1/2 of the stem length to soil line.
STAKING – Their strong sturdy stems generally support themselves. On rare occasions, staking is necessary due to the large fluffy flowers and high bloom count.