Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing lilies for years, and one of the most common questions I get is about sprouting times Whether you’re a newbie or experienced gardener, understanding lily bulb sprouting timelines is crucial for successful blooms Let me break it down for you in this comprehensive guide.
Quick Answer
Most lily bulbs take about 2-4 weeks to sprout after planting under optimal conditions. However, the exact timing can vary based on several factors including lily variety, planting method, and growing conditions.
Different Types of Lily Germination
From my experience. lily bulbs follow different sprouting patterns
1. Immediate Epigeal (Above Ground)
- Sprouts within 9-90 days at 65°F
- Sends up visible shoots above ground
- True leaves appear 30-65 days after sprouting
- Most common in Asiatic lilies
2. Immediate Hypogeal (Below Ground)
- Germinates at 65°F
- Initial growth stays below soil surface
- First true leaves appear in 30-180 days
- No cold period needed
3. Delayed Types
- Requires warm AND cold periods
- Can take 3-4 months for initial germination
- Needs additional cold period before sprouting
- More common in wild species
Key Factors Affecting Sprouting Time
In my garden I’ve noticed these factors make a big difference
-
Temperature
- Ideal soil temp: 60-65°F
- Too cold = slower sprouting
- Too hot = potential bulb damage
-
Planting Depth
- Plant 4x bulb diameter deep
- Deeper planting = longer sprouting time
- Too shallow = weak growth
-
Soil Conditions
- Well-draining soil required
- Consistent moisture (not wet)
- Rich in organic matter
-
Bulb Health
- Fresh, firm bulbs sprout faster
- Damaged bulbs = slower growth
- Store properly before planting
Timeline Breakdown
Here’s what you can typically expect:
| Week | Development Stage ||------|------------------|| 1-2 | Initial root development || 2-4 | First sprouts emerge || 4-6 | True leaves appear || 6-8 | Steady growth continues |Tips for Successful Sprouting
I’ve learned these tricks through trial and error:
-
Planting Time
- Fall planting = best results
- Plant 6-8 weeks before first frost
- Spring planting = slower first-year growth
-
Watering Schedule
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Reduce watering if leaves yellow
-
Temperature Management
- Protect from extreme heat/cold
- Use mulch for temperature regulation
- Consider indoor starting for challenging climates
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what might be wrong:
No Sprouting After 4 Weeks?
- Check planting depth
- Verify soil moisture
- Examine bulb health
- Consider temperature fluctuations
Weak or Slow Growth?
- Improve soil drainage
- Adjust sunlight exposure
- Check nutrient levels
- Monitor watering frequency
Advanced Growing Tips
For those wanting to take their lily growing to the next level:
-
Pre-sprouting Method
- Start bulbs in moist paper towels
- Keep at 65°F
- Transfer to soil when roots appear
- Higher success rate
-
Container Growing
- Use deep pots (12+ inches)
- Ensure good drainage
- Monitor moisture closely
- Perfect for controlled conditions
Final Thoughts
Growing lilies isn’t rocket science, but it does require patience and attention to detail. From my years of experience, I can tell you that the wait is totally worth it! Just remember that different varieties have different needs, and don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect.
Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be well on your way to gorgeous lily blooms. If you’ve got questions or wanna share your lily growing experience, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear from ya!
Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. Sometimes our plants teach us more through their struggles than their successes. Happy planting!
[Editor’s note: This article was last updated July 2025 to include the latest growing techniques and timing information.]
Lily seed germination and planting lily seeds
© Darm Crook Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada Zone 1 Canadian scale
- Epigeal = above – cotyledon grows above ground.
- Hypogeal = below – cotyledon never appears above ground.
Photo by
- Cotyledon = the first growth stage of the lily seeds embryo. An epigeal germinating lilys cotyledon looks much like a blade of grass.
- Type – as it refers to a species lily = The species lily known by its given name – example L. davidii = type. L. davidii var. willmottiae and L. davidii var. unicolor, are not considered “type”, they are varieties of the species.
There are basically four various forms of lily seed germination patterns. Inside of those forms there are variations that affect the seeds ability to germinate.
- Immediate epigeal
Is where a seed germinates reasonably quick at temperatures of about 18 °C. (65 °F.) and upon germination sends up a cotyledon which is followed shortly by true leaves. Some lilies can germinate and send up a cotyledon within nine days of planting; others can take over ninety days to do so. Lilies that take a long time to germinate and send up a cotyledon generally take another forty five to sixty five days before they start sending up true leaves. Lilies that germinate quickly will generally start sending up true leaves within thirty to forty five days.
- Variation of immediate epigeal
Some lily species will germinate reasonably quickly but the cotyledon will die back before any true leaves are put forward. For these, upon the cotyledon die back, give them a three month cold period (can be longer) at 2 °C.(35 °F.) When planting out after the cold period, they will send up true leaves in about three weeks. After ensuring the planting medium is quite dry, I simply encase the four and a half inch geranium pot which I grow the seedlings in in a zip-lock baggie, seal the baggie and place it in the lily fridge.
- Delayed epigeal
Is where a seed germinates only after an extended length of time in a reasonably warm just moist incubation period followed by a cold period. Some species may even require a second warm period to germinate and a second cold period before they sprout their cotyledon. These alternating warm cold periods are around three months each, but can be longer. Some specie types that have this form of germination have varieties that germinate as immediate epigeal.
- Immediate hypogeal
Is where a seed germinates in temperatures around 18 °C. (65 °F.) and the cotyledon never grows above the soils surface. Some of the lilies that germinate in this manner will send up their first true leaves within 30 to 45 days of planting. Other lilies can take 6 months or more. No cold or dormant period is needed by this type of lily before they send up true leaves.
- Variation of immediate hypogeal – cool germination
Is where lilies require cool temperatures of 9 °C. (48 °F.) to 11 °C. (52 °F.) to germinate and send up their first true leaves. Lilies that require this type of germination conditions may never germinate if held at other temperatures.
- Delayed hypogeal
Is where a lily seed germinates at temperatures of around 18 °C. (65 °F.) in dark conditions. After a three to four month incubation period and before they will send up true leaves, these lilies require at least a three month cold (dormant) period at a temperature right around plus 2 °C. (35 °F.). I have found that delayed hypogeal seeds which are given a four month incubation period have more foliage growth their first summer and much better first winter survival rates then delayed hypogeal lily seeds that are given only a three months incubation period. The ones that receive a four month incubation period also come to flower a year or two ahead of the ones given a three month incubation period.
- Variation of delayed hypogeal
Inside this group (delayed hypogeal) there are species where seeds from the same pod will germinate as immediate as well as delayed hypogeal. Some years from a lily that should be delayed hypogeal germination I have had up to seven percent of the seed germinate as immediate hypogeal, other years as low as a half a percent. The delayed hypogeal seedlings that germinate as immediate hypogeal usually out grow their siblings and flower a year or two earlier thus they are well worth watching for when germinating delayed hypogeal lilies. Depending on which species it is delayed hypogeal germinating lilies can take three to seven years from seed to first flower.
How Long Does it Take for a Lily Bulb to Grow Once Planted?
FAQ
Why are my lilies bulbs not coming up?
Another reason may be a lack of fertilization and overcrowding. Lilies need nutrients for growth and flowering and may not be able to access them if the bulbs are crowded. Additionally, if the container is too small or the plant is root bound, it may struggle to produce blooms.
What is the best month to plant lily bulbs?
Planting: Lily bulbs can be planted in fall or early spring. If planting in the fall it is important to do so at least four weeks prior to your last frost date in order that they can put down strong roots before the ground freezes.
How long does it take for bulbs to sprout after planting?
Most of the spring-flowering bulbs will start to sprout around 2-3 weeks after their chilling period has been met, and the temperatures are getting warmer. You can expect flowering around a week after sprouting. It all depends on the variety, adequate water, lighting, soil type, and heat.
Do lily bulbs bloom the first year?
Lilies bloom year after year as long as they are planted in the right growing conditions.Mar 23, 2024
How long does it take Lily bulbs to sprout?
A common query that arises during this process is how long it takes for lily bulbs to sprout. The good news is that lily bulbs often sprout quite quickly, usually within 2-4 weeks after planting. In this article, we will dive into the details of lily bulbs and the factors that affect their sprouting time, along with tips for planting and care.
When do lilies sprout?
Lily bulbs are some of the most popular and gorgeous flowers a gardener can plant. However, figuring out when their bulbs will sprout can be a daunting task. After planting your bulbs at the appropriate time, you can expect them to sprout within four to six weeks.
How long does it take a lily bulb to grow?
This is followed by the emergence of roots to anchor the developing plant. It can take 2-8 weeks from initial sprout emergence for lily bulb seedlings to fully germinate and generate their first true leaves. Factors like lily variety, planting time, soil temperature, moisture, and depth will determine the exact duration.
How long does it take lilies to germinate?
It can take 2-8 weeks from initial sprout emergence for lily bulb seedlings to fully germinate and generate their first true leaves. Factors like lily variety, planting time, soil temperature, moisture, and depth will determine the exact duration. With optimal conditions, most lilies will complete germination within 4-6 weeks of planting.
How long does it take for bulbs to sprout?
However, figuring out when their bulbs will sprout can be a daunting task. After planting your bulbs at the appropriate time, you can expect them to sprout within four to six weeks. If you plant early in the fall and after the threat of frost has passed, expect to see sprouts in early spring.
When do lilies bloom?
Once lily bulbs have overwintered for a season, normal blooming will begin the next summer. Newly planted lily bulbs take their time sending up shoots. If you plant in the fall, your lilies will sprout in about six months, when the spring brings warmer soil temperatures. Lilies need room to grow.