Transplanting lilies to a new location in the fall: step-by-step tips for gardeners

A beautiful and elegant flower known as the lily, it grows in many gardens. Its fragrant, whimsical blooms, in a variety of shades, attract even those who are indifferent to gardening. Knowing a few secrets will make caring for the flower easier. Replanting lilies in the fall is an important step for the flower!

Autumn is the time when plants, regardless of species, require special attention. Lilies are no exception. It's in the fall that lilies are transplanted to a new, comfortable location. This flower belongs to the perennial family, and replanting helps preserve its natural properties.

[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»The procedure is carried out within a certain timeframe, which is dictated by the variety and climatic conditions.»]

The advantage of replanting in autumn

With the onset of autumn, lily bulbs enter a dormant state, and the concentration of nutrients from the soil is at its maximum.

[sc name=»info-attention» text=»Taking this into account, replanting the plant before the soil begins to freeze will allow it to take root and prepare for the upcoming low winter temperatures.»]

The need to dig up bulbs depends on the variety and the gardener's personal preferences. For example, experts recommend replanting plants belonging to the LA group and Asiatic hybrids. The bulbs of this variety naturally produce numerous "offspring," and replanting allows the flower to retain its natural decorative qualities.

It is also necessary prepare currant bushes for winter.

About the deadlines

It's well known that each region of a country has its own distinct climate. This fact is essential to consider when gardening.

The flowering time, division time, and, consequently, planting and replanting of lilies are also determined by the region they grow in. For example, while in the Moscow region, replanting lilies to a new location is best done in early autumn, in central Russia, the procedure is best done no later than the end of August.

Lilies are found in various regions of Russia. Certain varieties are successfully grown in the Urals, although growing conditions there are much harsher than in other parts of the country. This should be taken into account when replanting.

In the Central Urals, Trumpet lilies are most common, and gardeners have also adapted to growing the Asiatic hybrid. Throughout the Urals, the recommended time for replanting is late August or early September. Delaying the process further results in the bulbs failing to establish and freezing.

This beautiful, attractive lily is often found not only in Russia but also in Ukraine. The soil composition and climate make this country an ideal place for growing lilies. Trumpet-shaped varieties and hybrids developed in Asia are widespread here. Today, species developed by Dutch and American breeders are increasingly being cultivated.

Can all lily varieties be replanted in Ukraine in the fall? Gardeners note that, regardless of flowering times, which vary from plant to plant, lilies growing in Ukraine have adapted to autumn replanting. In this country, the procedure is carried out between October and November. Due to the mild winter, no shelter is required. With strict adherence to the procedure, the bulbs have a 100% survival rate.

In Siberia, replanting lilies in the fall is not recommended. As in northern Russia, frosts arrive quite early, and the bulbs may not have time to fully prepare for winter.

In general, experienced gardeners have developed a simple rule for determining the time to begin replanting: the procedure begins a month after the plant has finished flowering.

[sc name=»info-hand» text=»Experienced gardeners recommend using bulbs grown at home or purchased from local lily breeders for autumn replanting.»]

Choosing a location

The success of the repotting process depends on many factors. One of the most important is choosing the right location. Most lilies prefer well-lit areas, but they can also thrive and bloom in partial shade.

It's important to remember that lilies shouldn't be planted under trees. In such conditions, they won't receive enough light and moisture. Another important characteristic is that lilies don't tolerate drafts or strong gusts of wind well. At the same time, the flowers require air circulation to prevent the development of gray mold.

Any ornamental plant, including lilies, dislikes excess moisture or stagnant water. This is important to consider when choosing a repotting location.

Priming

Lilies are particularly demanding plants when it comes to soil and its nutritional value. If the soil is depleted, or, in other words, depleted of nutrients, the flowers will not thrive and bloom well.

For the full growth and development of most lily species, a fertile soil layer of 20-30 cm deep is sufficient. The soil should be loamy with an acidity that is as close to neutral as possible.

As shown in the video (see below), before replanting lilies in the fall, the soil in the chosen location must be dug up. The shovel should be dug no deeper than 35 cm. Heavy soil should be thinned with sand and peat. For lighter soil, peat is sufficient. To increase fertility, apply approximately 100 g of fertilizer (superphosphate) per square meter.

When repotting lilies, the substrate that will surround the root system plays an important role. It will provide the plant bulb with all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»It's important to keep in mind that each species requires different soil. For example, varieties like the Tubular and others like it grow better in slightly alkaline soil. While the Asian and American hybrid species require slightly acidic soil.»]

A slightly alkaline environment can be easily created using chalk or wood ash mixed into the base soil. Peat moss helps acidify the soil.

These measures make it easier for the bulbs to adapt to a new location and changes in external factors – temperature, amount of moisture during wintering.

Optimal depth

When planning to transplant lilies in the fall, it is important to know at what depth it is best to plant the bulbs.

There is a rule for determining the planting depth:

• The planting depth is equal to three bulb diameters.

When replanting, consider the soil composition. For example, lilies shouldn't be planted too deeply in loamy soil, as the plant won't be able to germinate. Light, sandy soil won't allow the flower to root properly if the bulb is planted too shallowly.

Experienced gardeners recommend the following standards for the height of the top layer of soil:

• baby bulbs – 7 cm;
• medium-sized bulbs – 10 cm;
• large bulbs – 15 cm.

It's important to remember that the plant's bulbs deepen over time. Therefore, don't dig a hole that's too deep.

Preparing the plant

Transplanting lilies is convenient in the fall because the bulbs are dormant, allowing gardeners to stagger the timing to find the optimal time. A common question among inexperienced lily growers is when to begin digging. It's known that the condition of the bulbs depends on whether the summer was dry or rainy.

If rainfall has been light, the bulblets will form later than expected. The best solution is to dig up a sample and evaluate it. If the surface is firm and compact, you can begin replanting.

Before digging up the bulbs, cut off the entire green portion of the plant. If signs of disease are detected on the stem, the bulb is removed from the ground, and the affected portion is carefully twisted out. The planting material should also be inspected for rot.

The bulb nest will disintegrate on its own after removal from the ground. However, this may not happen. In this case, all parts of the nest are carefully separated from the mother plant by hand. If dry, dark scales are found, they must be removed. Intact roots are shortened to 15 cm, and any rotted roots are removed entirely.

To prevent disease, all planting material is soaked in specialized disinfectants. This procedure is essential when numerous rotted roots and scales are discovered.

It's recommended to choose a sunny day for planting. It's best to prepare the holes in advance. Mulching the newly planted plants is essential. Depending on the species, this can be done with peat or compost. The layer should be no more than five centimeters thick.

Some lily species develop bulbs in the leaf axils. These bulbs are called 'bulbs.' These specimens are planted in furrows no more than three centimeters deep, with a distance of about five centimeters between each planting.

[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»If you planted baby bulbs, it's essential to provide shelter for the winter. This will increase the chances of survival.»]

Proper care in autumn

To ensure proper bulb formation and accumulation of sufficient nutrients for overwintering, gardeners must properly care for the plant. With the onset of autumn, pruning is added to these care measures. This should not be done immediately after flowering. Simply snapping off the dried inflorescences is sufficient. As noted, the stems and leaves, and the photosynthesis occurring within them, are essential for proper bulb formation.

Future planting material suffers from prolonged rains, typical of autumn. To prevent this, the holes are covered with plastic film. For convenience, a frame of pipes is installed around the perimeter – if it rains, the covering material can be easily pulled up.

Inexperienced gardeners often wonder what to feed their plants in the fall. It's important to remember that, like other perennials, lilies don't tolerate late fertilization. It's best to apply the final amount of fertilizer in late August.

Using manure as a fertilizer is harmful to lilies. Fertilizers containing chlorine and ammonium nitrate should also be avoided. All these substances are detrimental to the bulbs.

The need for insulation. Most species survive winter cold without damage, even when grown in temperate climates. Despite this, experienced gardeners recommend covering planting material during the first year, regardless of the species.

After replanting the lily in the fall, cover the beds with dry leaves, straw, and spruce branches as soon as the first frosts have passed and sunny, dry weather sets in. If the growing region experiences periods of thaw in winter followed by frost, it is recommended to provide additional cover with agrofibre. Waterproof film helps protect the plantings from excess moisture.