Caring for lilies after flowering

Flowers require attention throughout their growth, and caring for lilies after flowering is also crucial. Let's learn how to properly care for lilies at home in the garden to enjoy even more blooms next year. Lilies require constant potassium-phosphorus supplements in the soil. We do not recommend using mineral fertilizers, which only provide a temporary, short-term effect and can actually worsen the plants' condition later. Manure is also harmful to lilies; never apply it to these delicate plants, as it can lead to various diseases, fungal, and viral infections.

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Transplantation after flowering

Around mid-August, when the lilies have bloomed for about a month, you can start repotting them. Don't rush this, as the lily bulbs need to absorb enough nutrients and mature thoroughly before repotting. When the stems and leaves have completely wilted, dig them up with a pitchfork, being careful not to damage the roots. Carefully remove any dead parts and scales, rinse, and treat the bulbs with a disinfectant solution of potassium permanganate or malathion. Then, dry the bulbs thoroughly in the shade, trim the roots, and you're ready to plant.

The bulbs will form offspring, which should be separated and planted separately. In 2-3 years, they will become fully independent plants and begin to bloom. This way, you can significantly increase the number of flowers in your garden, and while the first bulbs are aging, new ones from the offspring will already be coming into their own.

Next, prepare the soil. If the soil is heavy or greasy, add a little sand or pebbles to the planting holes to ensure good drainage. Lilies don't like standing water, as their roots can rot. Sprinkle soil over the pebbles. You can also sprinkle some pine needles there; lilies will love them and be less prone to diseases.

The depth of the hole is usually calculated as the bulb's diameter multiplied by three. In light soil, you should plant it slightly deeper; larger bulbs should be planted to a depth of up to 12 cm, while smaller bulbs should be planted to a depth of up to 8 cm. The distance between the holes depends on the size of the plant. For short bulbs, 15 cm is sufficient, while for tall bulbs, space them more—up to 25 cm—to prevent them from shading each other. When planting, gently spread the roots, cover with soil, compact them, and then mulch. Peat, rotted sawdust, or compost are all suitable for this purpose. This will help retain moisture, insulate the bulbs, and provide additional nourishment in the spring.

Plants are usually repotted when they're 3-5 years old, as flowering intensity is waning, the plants become weak, and are often susceptible to thrips. Choose a sunny, water-free area for repotting. Consider the lily's color as well: light-colored varieties definitely prefer sunny locations, while dark and vibrant varieties can thrive in partial shade.

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Covering lilies for the winter

In late autumn, trim the lily stems. If the winter is harsh and snowless, it's best to cover them with sawdust, at least 10 cm thick. Peat moss will also work. However, covering should be done when the ground begins to freeze slightly. Otherwise, mice and other rodents will use the shelter for the winter. In the spring, before the shoots emerge, remove the shelter.

How to water lilies

This capricious beauty is very delicate and must be handled with care. Avoid watering the leaves, as this can cause leaf burn or botrytis, a dangerous fungal disease for lilies. It's also not recommended to water in the evening; the best time is morning or afternoon, when there's no direct sunlight. Water sparingly but frequently, ensuring the soil neither dries out nor becomes overwatered. Overwatering, especially in hot weather, can lead to fusarium rot, and bacterial rot can also develop. In cool weather, overwatering can lead to brown spot.

How to feed

Lilies replanted in the fall after flowering should be fertilized for the first time in early spring, when the stems begin to grow, with an ammonium nitrate solution. A second time, during budding, with nitrophoska. After flowering, with potassium sulfate and superphosphate. Sterilized composts such as "Bogatyr" and "PIKSA" are excellent for fertilizing lilies. Leaf mold has also proven effective. To prevent disease, be sure to spray the plants with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
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