Planting Lily Bulbs in Pots: A Complete Guide

I started growing lilies in containers out of pure frustration. I had planted some gorgeous orange-red lilies I’d gotten from the MSHS Bulb Sale in my garden borders. Every time the bulbs stems or leaves popped up, a rabbit was there to munch it down—for a couple of years, I never saw a bloom. Then, I caged the bulbs with chicken wire and that worked, but it looked like my lilies were in prison.

So, at the end of the 2019 season, I dug up my bulbs and threw them in a container that stayed outside all winter, not expecting them to survive. But they did, and they bloomed beautifully during the summer of 2020 in containers. At the end of the year, I moved the bulb containers into the garage for storage. They have survived again!

Suitable for…Almost all lilies grow well in containers, although taller types require some support. Suitable species include Lilium auratum, L. formosanum, L. longiflorum and L. speciosum. Suitable cultivars include the short-growing (60cm (2ft) tall) Asiatic hybrids (e.g. ‘Apollo’ and ‘C

Ideally plant in early autumn, although bulbs can be planted until spring.

Lilies can also be forced into flower for an indoor display. Bulbs commonly sold for forcing include Asiatic hybrids, L. auratum, L. longiflorum and L.speciosum. These bulbs will have been kept in a cool environment in order to flower without natural winter chill being necessary. Forcing involves bringing the pot into the warmth of the house or heated greenhouse, for flowering around six weeks after planting.

What a Bulb Wants

I talked about bulbs and containers on a recent episode of Grow it, Minnesota with Mike Heger, renowned Minnesota plantsman and author of the book Growing Perennials in Cold Climates. Bulbs are part of a plant’s stem structure. The bulb stores food for the next season and roots grow into the soil below the bulb.

Lilies (Lilium) are a huge genera of plants, and Mike described some of the different classifications of lilies in the podcast. Most lilies (the exception is Martagon lilies) like a sunny location and well-drained soil. They aren’t fussy about fertilizers and are a fairly easy plant to grow. They don’t have long tap roots and can be dug up in winter, though unlike dahlias, canna lilies and other summer bulbs, lilies can survive a Minnesota winter underground. If you aren’t bothered by bunnies, they are easy to grow and long-lived.

For best luck in containers, consider purchasing bulbs of dwarf lilies. For the 2021 season, I bought two new varieties, Lily Looks™ Tiny Crystal, a bright white asiatic lily that grows only about a foot tall and produces six or more flowers per stem, and Lily Looks™ Tiny Bee, a bright yellow variety. Remember that some some lilies will grow 5 or 6 feet tall, so pay attention to the mature height of the lilies you buy. It will be listed on the plant tag.

I chose terracotta containers for growing lilies because they blend in well with the rest of my plantings. Plastic, ceramic or composite containers would work well, too. Whatever container you choose, fill it with a good commerical potting mix. I add a bit of extra perlite to the mix to increase drainage. Fill the container to about 6 inches below the top of the container. Place your bulbs flat side down (often you’ll see some roots growing off the bulb — those face down) and pointy side up. Top them off with more potting soil, water them well and set them outside.

How to Grow Lilies | How to Plant Lily Bulbs | 3 Great Ways | Summer Flowering Bulbs

FAQ

What is the best month to plant lily bulbs?

• Fall Planting (for summer blooms):

  • Plant lily bulbs in the fall, at least four weeks before the ground freezes, to allow them to establish roots before winter. 

  • This method is particularly effective for lilies that bloom in early to mid-summer. 

  • Lilies that bloom in the fall are best planted in the spring. 

• Spring Planting (for summer blooms):

  • Plant lily bulbs in the spring as soon as the ground is workable and the threat of frost has passed. 

  • This is a good option for areas with harsh winters, as it allows the bulbs to avoid freezing temperatures. 

  • Ensure the soil is well-drained, as lilies prefer this. 

• General Tips for Planting:

  • Choose a location that receives full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). 

  • Plant bulbs in groups of 3-5, spaced 8-12 inches apart. 

  • Small lily bulb varieties should be planted 2-4 inches deep, while larger varieties should be planted 6 inches deep. 

  • Water thoroughly after planting, but avoid overwatering. 

  • Lilies can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. 

  • Lilies are perennials, meaning they will grow back each spring from their bulbs. 

• Types of Lilies:

  • Asiatic Lilies: Known for their vibrant colors and fragrance-free blooms, they typically bloom in mid-summer. 

  • Oriental Lilies: These lilies are known for their fragrant blooms and typically bloom in mid to late summer. 

  • Other Lilies: There are many other types of lilies, each with its own unique characteristics and bloom times. 

Do potted lilies come back every year?

Lilies are perennials in that they have the ability to grow back each spring from their bulbs without needing to be replanted. However, they do need the correct care to continue growing and blooming through the years. These tips will help keep your lilies happy and healthy.

Should I soak lily bulbs before planting?

• Benefits of Soaking:

  • Hydration: Soaking helps ensure the bulbs are well-hydrated, which can be particularly helpful if they seem dry or have been stored for a while. 

  • Faster Rooting: Soaking can encourage the bulbs to start rooting faster once planted. 

  • Quicker Growth: Hydrated bulbs may lead to quicker overall growth and potentially earlier flowering. 

• How to Soak:

  • Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water, not cold or hot. 

  • Soaking Time: Soak the bulbs for a few hours, perhaps 2-6 hours, before planting. 

  • Planting: After soaking, plant the bulbs as usual, ensuring they are planted at the correct depth and spacing for the specific lily variety. 

• Other Tips for Planting Lilies:

  • Soil: Prepare the soil with loose, well-drained soil and mix in organic materials like compost or peat moss. 

  • Fertilizer: Consider using a special bulb fertilizer when planting. 

  • Watering: Give the bulbs a good soak after planting and water regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as lilies are susceptible to root rot. 

  • Sunlight: Lilies generally need full sun or at least half-day sun. 

  • Mulch: In dry climates, mulch the soil surface to reduce moisture loss and keep the soil cooler. 

Can lily bulbs be left in pots?

They have a heady fragrance and perform well in pots which can be moved around for maximum impact. They are rewarding and easy to grow. First select a pot. This will need to be deep because the bulbs should have twice their height of compost above them.