How to Get Lilies to Bloom: A Complete Guide

Lilies are prized for their elegant, fragrant blooms that add beauty to gardens. With large, showy flowers in an array of colors, lilies have captivated gardeners for centuries. Getting lilies to bloom abundantly requires providing the right growing conditions.

With some planning and proper care, you can enjoy continuous lily flowers from late spring through fall. Here is a complete guide on how to successfully get lilies to bloom profusely.

Why Lilies Fail to Bloom

Before we dive into how to maximize lily blooms, it helps to understand why lilies sometimes fail to flower. Here are the most common reasons lilies don’t bloom:

• Insufficient Sunlight – Lilies need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, to support flowering. Too much shade will reduce blooms.

• Overcrowding – Congested, overcrowded lily plants compete for resources and don’t bloom well. Dividing mature plants regularly prevents overcrowding.

• Improper Planting Depth – Planting too shallow makes lily bulbs prone to frost damage and heaving They should be planted 3-4 times as deep as the bulb’s height

• Lack of Cold Exposure – Lilies require winter chill to initiate flower bud formation. Warm winter climates can prevent flowering.

• Under or Overwatering – Excessive moisture or prolonged drought stresses plants and inhibits flowering

• Pests and Diseases – Aphids, beetles, viruses, fungi and other problems can all reduce flowering.

• Age – As lily plants mature over 5+ years their vigor and bloom production declines. Divide and replant them to rejuvenate flowering.

Correct any of these issues to get your lilies blooming abundantly again. Next, let’s look at the key secrets for maximizing lily blooms.

5 Tips to Get Lilies to Bloom

Follow these best practices in lily care and culture to achieve prolific flowers:

1. Provide Full Sun

Lilies thrive in full sun locations, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sunlight is ideal. Dappled shade is acceptable for some varieties, but for prolific blooms choose an unobstructed sunny spot. Insufficient sunlight leads to reduced flowering.

2. Plant at Proper Depth

Planting lily bulbs at the correct depth is critical to protect them from temperature extremes. Plant bulbs at a depth 3-4 times their height. For example, plant a 3 inch tall bulb 12 inches deep. This keeps bulbs cool in summer and prevents frost heaving in winter.

3. Supply Adequate Nutrients

Fertilize lilies when growth begins in spring and again after initial flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Fertilizing provides nutrients to support vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Avoid overfertilizing.

4. Provide Consistent Moisture

Give lilies about 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season if rainfall is lacking. Soak the soil thoroughly after planting. Avoid waterlogged or drought stressed soil. Mulch to conserve moisture.

5. Divide Crowded Clumps

Mature lily plantings become congested over time, resulting in reduced flowering. Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years. Gently pry bulbs apart and replant 8-12 inches apart in enriched soil to rejuvenate plants.

Following these five key tips will help you to get the most blooms possible from lilies. Next, let’s look at how to extend the lily flowering season.

Achieving Continuous Lily Blooms

With smart variety selection and planting timing, you can enjoy lilies over an extended bloom season:

• Plant Early Bloomers – Try early Asiatic and Oriental lily varieties for flowers from late spring through early summer.

• Include Midseason Bloomers – Rely on midseason Orientals, Orientpets and Trumpets for summer color.

• Add Late Bloomers – Choose late blooming Orientals, Tigers and Turk’s Cap lilies for flowers into fall.

• Stagger Planting Times – Plant bulbs over several weeks to extend the bloom period. Blend early, mid and late varieties.

Combining different lily types that bloom at different times extends the display in your garden. Proper ongoing care is also essential for continued blooms each year.

Caring for Lilies After Blooming

Proper care after flowering ensures strong plants and abundant blooms next year:

• Deadhead spent blooms but leave foliage intact until it naturally dies back in fall. Leaves produce energy for future growth.

• Cut back dead stems and foliage after it totally browns in late fall. Discard debris to prevent disease.

• Mulch beds after ground freezes in winter to prevent frost heaving. Gradually remove mulch as growth resumes in spring.

• Fertilize again when new growth appears in early spring. This feeds emerging plants for the season.

• Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to reinvigorate flowering. Replant the divisions 8-12 inches apart.

Continue proper yearly care and you will be rewarded with recurring blossoms. Finally, let’s examine how to deal with potential lily problems.

Troubleshooting Lily Issues

Lilies can sometimes encounter problems that affect flowering. Here are solutions for some common lily problems:

• Aphids – Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil applied as soon as pests appear.

• Beetles – Handpick adult beetles. Use appropriate insecticides for severe infestations.

• Viral Diseases – Remove and destroy infected plants. Control aphids that spread viruses. Choose resistant lily varieties.

• Fungal Problems – Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves/flowers. Apply fungicides only as a last resort.

• Animals – Protect bulbs and plants with fencing or animal repellents. Deer, voles and others eat lilies.

Addressing issues promptly helps maintain plant health and prolific blooms.

Achieve Abundant Lily Blooms

With a sunny spot, proper planting, adequate moisture and nutrients, lilies will reward you with colorful, elegant flowers. Blend early, mid and late bloomers to extend the display. Dividing, fertilizing, and occasional rejuvenation keeps lilies flowering year after year. Follow these tips for success growing and getting lilies to bloom in your garden.