How to Grow Lily

Lily

Lilium spp.

flower

Lilies are stunning perennial flowering plants known for their large, showy blooms in a wide range of colors and patterns. They produce trumpet-shaped or star-shaped flowers on tall stems and are popular in gardens and as cut flowers. Most lilies are easy to grow from bulbs and return reliably year after year.

Looking for a specific variety?

Stargazer Casa Blanca Asiatic Hybrids Oriental Hybrids LA Hybrids Trumpet Lilies

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; afternoon shade helps in hot climates

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Water: Water deeply and regularly during growing season; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering after blooming; drought-tolerant once established

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Spacing: 8-12 inches apart, depending on variety inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first bloom (varies by type)

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Planting depth: 8-10 inches deep for bulbs (measure from base to top of bulb)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; avoid waterlogged conditions

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Bone meal at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-9; most types thrive in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Bulb Dormancy

4-12 weeks depending on type and temperature

Bulbs are dormant underground, gradually developing roots and shoots over winter or cool period

Plant in autumn or early spring; ensure bulbs are firm and healthy; store in cool place if not planting immediately

Sprouting & Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Green shoots emerge from soil; leaves unfurl along the stem; plant grows taller

Provide consistent moisture; fertilize with balanced fertilizer; install stakes if needed for tall varieties; remove weeds

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at top of stem; buds swell and color begins to show

Continue watering and fertilizing; switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to support blooms; ensure adequate sunlight

Flowering

3-8 weeks (staggered if multiple buds)

Large, fragrant blooms open fully; flowers may last 1-2 weeks each; multiple buds open sequentially

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; remove anthers if you want to prevent pollen staining; cut stems for arrangements early morning

Post-Bloom & Dormancy

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and drop; leaves remain green; plant begins to store energy in bulb

Do not remove leaves; continue watering until foliage dies back naturally; reduce fertilizer; allow bulb to fully mature for next year

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Daylilies Coneflowers Black-eyed Susans Delphiniums Lavender Catmint Foxgloves Roses

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Garlic Onions

Common Pests

Hand-pick adults and larvae; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected leaves; encourage natural predators
Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant near beneficials like ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
and
Remove debris for hiding spots; use copper barriers or slug traps; handpick in evening
Spray insecticidal soap; remove infected leaves promptly; monitor regularly during growing season

Uses

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Edible Petals & Flavor

Culinary

Some lily varieties, particularly Asiatic lilies, have mildly sweet petals that can be used as elegant garnishes for desserts, salads, and beverages. The petals have a delicate, slightly floral flavor and add visual appeal to dishes. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Lilies are among the most popular cut flowers worldwide, prized for their large, colorful blooms and long vase life (7-14 days). They serve as stunning focal points in bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. [source]

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Traditional Medicine & Wellness

Medicinal

In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, lily bulbs (particularly Lilium brownii) are used to support respiratory health and calm the nervous system. Some cultures use lily extracts for skin care and general wellness. [source]

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Dried Flowers & Crafts

Craft

Lily petals and whole blooms can be dried for craft projects, potpourri, and decorative displays. The dried flowers retain much of their color and fragrance. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Lilies attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their vibrant colors and generous pollen. They provide important nectar and pollen sources for pollinators in mid to late summer. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut lilies for arrangements early in the morning when flowers just begin to open; use sharp, clean pruners; cut at least one-third of the stem to encourage bulb development; remove lower leaves below waterline in vases; re-cut stems every few days and change water for longer vase life; deadhead spent blooms on garden plants but leave foliage until it naturally dies back

Fun Facts

🌱 Lilies are mentioned in ancient texts and artwork dating back thousands of years; white lilies were sacred to the goddess Hera in ancient Greece and symbolize purity and rebirth in many cultures.
🌱 Some lilies produce up to 100 flowers on a single stem, and their fragrance can fill an entire room—some gardeners remove the anthers (pollen-bearing centers) to reduce the intense perfume indoors.
🌱 Lily bulbs naturally produce 'bulbils' (tiny baby bulbs) along the stem underground, and some lily varieties develop aerial bulbils on the leaves, allowing them to propagate without seeds.

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