Lilium Bulbs

When to Plant Lily Bulbs

Lilium bulbs should be planted from June to September while they are dormant, giving them time to establish roots before their active growing season. In warmer climates, plant them in early winter as winter planting bulbs to avoid excessive heat stress, while in cooler regions, late winter to early spring planting is best. 

How to Grow Lilium Bulbs

Plant lily bulbs around 15cm (6in) deep with the pointed end facing up, spacing them about 20cm (8in) apart to allow good air circulation. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent rot, so consider adding compost or gypsum if your soil is heavy. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

As your lilies grow, support taller varieties with stakes to keep their stems upright. Once your lily flowers begin to appear, deadhead faded flowers to encourage additional flowers. Keep the foliage intact until it naturally dies back, as this helps the bulb store energy for the next season. Cut stems down to the base in late autumn. Lilies will return year after year with the right care.

Companion Planting for Lily Bulbs

As with many plants, there are various companion planting seeds and bulbs that you can plant alongside your lilium bulbs to benefit their growth.

As well as making your garden look beautiful, there are various flowers that you can sow or plant alongside your lilies that offer particular benefits. For example, growing alyssum seeds and marigold seeds alongside your liliums is not only a great choice for their distinct colours and looks, but also because these plants repel pests such as aphids that otherwise would attack your liliums.

Order Your Lilium Bulbs Today!

Tall, graceful, and full of colour, lily flowers can create a breathtaking display in any garden all on their own. But you can complete your garden with other bulbs from our range, like peony rose rhizomes, dahlia tubers, gladioli corms, and more. Find Mr Fothergill’s lily bulbs at your local garden centre or major hardware stores, or shop online today!