To lift lily bulbs, the primary method involves carefully lifting clumps with a garden fork in the autumn. This process allows you to separate the bulbs for propagation or relocation.
Why Lift Lily Bulbs?
Lifting lily bulbs, often referred to as dividing, is a beneficial practice for several reasons:
- Propagation: Lilies naturally multiply over time, forming large clumps. Lifting allows you to separate these bulbs, creating new plants to expand your lily display or share with others.
- Improved Health: Overcrowding can lead to reduced flowering and increased susceptibility to diseases. Dividing helps alleviate competition for nutrients and space, promoting healthier plants.
- Relocation: If you wish to move your lily plants to a new spot in the garden or into pots, lifting the bulbs is necessary.
- Rejuvenation: For older, less vigorous clumps, division can rejuvenate the plants, leading to better blooms in subsequent years.
When to Lift Lily Bulbs
The ideal time to lift lily bulbs is in autumn. This timing allows the bulbs to complete their growing cycle for the current season and then settle into their new locations or storage conditions before winter dormancy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Lily Bulbs
Follow these straightforward steps to successfully lift and prepare your lily bulbs:
- Prepare Your Tools: Gather a sturdy garden fork, gardening gloves, and a tarp or bucket for holding the lifted bulbs.
- Choose the Right Time: As mentioned, autumn is the optimal season for this task. Ensure the foliage has started to yellow or die back naturally, indicating the plant has stored energy in its bulb for the next season.
- Locate the Clump: Identify the area where your lily bulbs are growing in dense clumps.
- Carefully Lift:
- Insert your garden fork a safe distance away from the main stem, ensuring you don't damage the bulbs. Aim to go around the entire clump.
- Gently lever the fork upwards, lifting the entire clump of bulbs and soil. Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible initially.
- Separate the Bulbs:
- Once the clump is out of the ground, gently shake off excess soil.
- Carefully peel the bulbs apart. You'll notice individual bulbs, sometimes with smaller bulblets attached. Separate these gently by hand. Discard any bulbs that appear soft, diseased, or damaged.
- Prepare for Replanting:
- Trim any excessively long roots or dead foliage.
- If you're not replanting immediately, you can store the bulbs in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place in a bag with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust to prevent them from drying out.
Quick Reference Table: Lily Bulb Lifting
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time | In autumn |
| Primary Tool | Garden fork |
| Action | Lift clumps, peel bulbs apart |
| Next Step | Plant into smaller clumps directly into the garden or pots |
| Purpose | Propagation, overcrowding prevention, relocation, rejuvenation |
What to Do After Lifting Lily Bulbs
After you have lifted and separated your lily bulbs, you have a few options:
- Replant Directly: The most common approach is to plant them into smaller clumps directly into the garden where you want them to grow. Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Plant them at the appropriate depth for your lily variety (typically 2-3 times the height of the bulb).
- Plant in Pots: Alternatively, you can plant the bulbs into pots. This is an excellent option for container gardening, for overwintering tender varieties in colder climates, or for starting new plants indoors before transplanting. Ensure pots have drainage holes and use a good quality potting mix.
- Store for Later: If immediate replanting isn't possible, store them properly as described above until you are ready to plant.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively lift and manage your lily bulbs, ensuring continued beauty and vitality in your garden. For more detailed information on general lily care, consider exploring resources on Lily Cultivation.
