When you look at these radiant blooms, you at once understand why they have been favored for over 3000 years. Lilies are available in a variety of forms, colors, and sizes. And, are excellent for exhibiting delightful fragrances. Lilies are easy to grow both in flower beds and containers. Also, they need well-drained soils and lots of sunlight to grow.
However, there is a specific time when you should plant lily bulbs. Also, it depends on the type of garden zones as well. Many people wonder when to plant lily bulbs zone 6. In this post, you get to know when and how to plant lily bulbs the right way.
Lily Bulbs Zone 6
Because zone 6 has a milder climate, it provides gardeners with the opportunity to grow a variety of plants, including lilies. Most cold and warm climate plants grow well. A wide majority of hardy bulbs require a dormant, cold period in the winter.
Although winters are cold enough to provide the dormancy in zone 6, gardeners have to stimulate this period for growing certain bulbs. Among bulb varieties, lilies perform well in zone 6. The bulbs are planted in the fall and require several weeks of cold climate.
When growing lily bulbs in zone 6, a well-drainage site is a necessity. That’s because bulbs are prone to attract fungal diseases and rot in soggy soils. Other bulbs bloom for a short time and they tend to die back to the ground.
When and where to plant lily bulbs:
The best time for lily bulbs to plant is during fall or early spring. This will allow the plant to grow and develop in time for early summer blooming which will continue until fall depending on the variety of lily planted. In many regions, you can find that lilies are planted in the fall and 4 weeks before the ground begins to turn hard because of freezing.
Lilies favor cool soil and so you should start work when the ground is good but not muddy. As said, lilies are easy to grow both in containers and ground. However, they need an abundance of sunlight and well-drained soil.
If you can’t plant lily bulbs immediately, you can store them away in the refrigerator or cool place for some time. But if you need more time, plant them on a small pot until you think about planting them outdoors.
Furthermore, don’t allow the bulbs to dry out and never buy dried ones from discount stores. That’s because you will have trouble growing them and, likely, they won’t grow. So make sure that the lily bulb is solid and good.
How to plant lilies the right way:
Here are simple steps that you can follow to grow lily bulbs in zone 6 gardens.
Keep in mind that lilies look great when you plant them in groups. So, it is good to plant three bulbs together. Besides, it is a good idea to plant different variants of lilies on the same bed. And, this can include but is not limited to Madonna, Asiatics, Trumpets, and so on.
For outdoor gardens, find a location where there is enough sunlight and shelter from high winds. Next, dig 8 to 18 inches apart and place the lily bulbs 4 to 6 inches below the soil. However, ensure that it is slightly pointed upwards.
For containers, choose one that has adequate holes enough to hold the plant’s mature size. Fill the container with well-drained and good-quality soil. Dig holes and make sure that they are 4-inches apart. Tuck the bulbs 4 to 6 inches in the soil and make the pointy part face upward.
Water the area thoroughly and make sure that the soil soaks most of them. Also, ensure that there is enough water around the bulbs. That way it should keep them moist and healthy. But never make the space too muddy by pouring too much water.