Tiger lily is a common herbaceous perennial with strappy leaves and tall 3- to 5-foot flowering stems topped with typically curved orange petals with dark speckled spots. Tiger lilies grow best in the sun in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. The plant tolerates swings in temperature and humidity without fuss.
The pollen is toxic to humans, and the plant is toxic to cats, not dogs or horses.
Tiger lilies are beloved for their large, brightly colored blooms that add a dramatic pop of color to gardens. Their trumpet-shaped flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, pink, red, and white, all speckled with dark spots that resemble a tiger’s stripes. While often purchased as bulbs, growing tiger lilies from seed is an easy and rewarding way to add these stunning perennials to your yard.
In this complete guide for beginners, you’ll learn everything you need to successfully plant tiger lily seeds for vibrant flowers this summer.
Overview of Tiger Lilies
Native to Asia, tiger lilies are hardy perennial plants that can grow up to 5 feet tall. The long, green strappy leaves emerge in spring, followed by buds that open into gorgeous blooms in mid to late summer.
Tiger lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer slightly acidic, moist soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant. The bright orange flowers have dramatically recurved petals covered in spots, resembling their namesake animal.
While the pollen can cause skin irritation in some people, the flowers have a lovely, light fragrance that butterflies adore Just be aware that tiger lilies are toxic to cats if ingested
When to Plant Tiger Lily Seeds
Since tiger lily seeds require exposure to cold, moist conditions to break dormancy, timing is important. You have a few options:
Fall – Sow seeds in late fall after temperatures cool so they experience winter conditions naturally before sprouting in spring.
Winter – Cold stratify seeds indoors for 8-12 weeks in damp paper towels in the fridge before planting out in spring
Spring – Purchase pre-stratified seeds ready for planting after the threat of frost has passed.
How to Plant Tiger Lily Seeds
Planting tiger lily seeds is simple if you follow these steps:
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Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Loosen dense soil and amend with compost for improved drainage.
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Prepare seed trays or pots with sterile seed starting mix. Moisten before planting.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently water to settle seeds without washing away.
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Cover with plastic to retain moisture until sprouts emerge. Then expose seedlings to full sun and thin to 6 inches apart.
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Harden off young plants before transplanting into the garden after the last spring frost.
Ongoing Care of Seedlings
To keep your homegrown tiger lilies thriving, be sure to:
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Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
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Carefully weed around shallow roots to avoid damage.
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Mulch seedlings to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
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Stake tall plants to prevent flopping in wind and rain.
When Will Tiger Lilies Bloom From Seed?
Patience is required when growing tiger lilies from seed, as it can take 2-3 years for them to mature and produce flowers. The first year plants focus energy on establishing roots. In following seasons they gain height before finally blooming. But the wait is worthwhile!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
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Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Improve drainage if needed.
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Wilting can result from under-watering, heat stress, or transplant shock. Gradually acclimate plants and maintain even moisture.
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Leggy growth means plants are starved for light. Move seedlings into full sun.
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Pests like aphids and beetles can be controlled with insecticidal soap sprayed directly on bugs.
With the proper care, growing tiger lilies from seed is an inexpensive way to add their gorgeous spotted blooms to your garden. Just provide bright light, nutrient-rich soil, consistent moisture, and plenty of patience as seeds mature into flowering plants.
Tips for Collecting and Storing Tiger Lily Seeds
If you already have established tiger lily plants, collecting and storing seeds for future planting is easy:
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Allow seed pods to ripen and turn brown on the stem before collecting. Give a gentle squeeze to check if they are ready.
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Tie cheesecloth or small paper bags around pods to catch seeds as they open. Or pick dried pods and break them open indoors.
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Spread seeds in a single layer on paper towels or screens to finish drying. Turn them periodically.
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Place dried seeds in an airtight container like a glass jar and store in a cool, dry spot. Add a silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture.
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Label the container with the plant name and year collected. Tiger lily seeds can remain viable for up to 3 years if properly stored.
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Before planting, viability can be checked by pressing seeds and discarding any that are soft or damaged.
Growing Tiger Lilies in Pots
Tiger lilies also thrive when grown in containers. Choose a pot at least 8 inches deep and wide with drainage holes. Unglazed terra cotta pots work well, allowing air flow through the sides. Use a quality potting mix and:
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Gently remove seedlings from their trays, separating clumps. Loosen tangled roots before repotting.
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Plant at the same level as seeds were sown, leaving some room for growth between the root ball and pot edges.
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Check pots regularly to ensure soil remains evenly moist but not wet. Lilies are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions.
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Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer throughout the season for healthy growth.
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Repot into larger containers as plants become root bound.
Enjoying Tiger Lilies in the Garden
Once established, tiger lily plants require minimal care while providing outstanding floral displays. Their unique recurved petals in vibrant warm hues stand out in any garden setting. Growing tiger lilies from seed may take patience initially, but the results are well worth it.
With proper planting, care, and maintenance, home gardeners can easily propagate these exotic-looking lilies. Their vibrant, speckled blossoms will return year after year, spreading beauty through your outdoor space.
Types of Tiger Lily
The familiar orange tiger lily is a pure species with no named cultivars. L. lancifolium has been crossed with other species to create lilies with red, pink, white, and yellow flowers. These are often unnamed cultivars, and they all have black or brown spots on petals that sharply curve backward. These two characteristics are not found together in any other type of lilies.
There are also many other related species and hybrids within the genus Lilium. The official classification system has nine individual classes of lilies. These are the three most popular types:
- Asiatic hybrids: These lilies generally flower in June into July, producing blooms in red, orange, yellow, white, pink, and more. These durable, easy-to-grow plants multiply and spread with little effort. These lilies fall into Division 1 in the official lily classification system.
- Easter lilies (Longiflorum hybrids): Easter lilies are often forced into early bloom pots for early spring celebrations. When planted in the garden—or if potted plants are kept growing in their pots—they usually bloom in midsummer. These lilies belong to Division 5 and feature trumpet-shaped, brilliant white flowers.
- Oriental hybrids: Oriental hybrids, such as the famous stargazer lily, generally bloom mid-to-late summer and feature large, spectacular flowers in rich colors and spicy scents. They are more delicate than Asiatic lilies, and the bulbs might lose their vigor after a few years, requiring replanting. Oriental lilies fall into Division 7.
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Pruning
Foliage on the lower part of the stalks will fade first (in late summer). These yellow leaves wont be as noticeable if the plants grow in the garden beds back row. Once all the leaves have yellowed by late fall, cut the stalks down to ground level and dispose of them.
How to Propagate Tiger Lilies from Bulbils || Quick & Easy Guide
FAQ
How long does it take for tiger lilies to grow from seed?
It takes 4 to 5 years for bulbous plants, including lilies, to grow large enough to flower. Hybrid lilies like other flowers don’t usually come true from seed.
Is it hard to grow lilies from seed?
Most lily species are quite easy to raise from seed. With most, you don’t need to use a glasshouse. The only “special equipment” needed is patience: though with special care a few species will flower in their first year from sowing, most take two or three years – a few even take up to seven.
Do tiger lilies come back every year?
Yes, tiger lilies are perennial plants, meaning they come back year after year. As long as they are planted in suitable conditions, they will continue to grow and bloom annually.
Do tiger lily seeds need cold stratification?
For propagating by seed: Sow outdoors in summer for germination the following spring, or 3-6 mos. warm then 2-3 mos. cold stratification. For forcing slightly green or fresh seeds: 6-8 wks.