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Divided Oriental lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden, offering vibrant blooms and a delightful fragrance. Proper preparation in the spring ensures healthy growth and stunning flowers. Follow these steps to prepare your lilies for planting.
Understanding Divided Oriental Lilies
Divided Oriental lilies are perennial bulbs that produce large, fragrant flowers. They are typically divided in late summer or early fall, but with proper care, they can be prepared for spring planting to ensure vigorous growth.
Step 1: Dividing the Lilies
To divide your lilies:
- Carefully dig around the mature lily clump in late summer or early fall.
- Gently lift the entire clump from the ground.
- Use a sharp, clean knife or garden shears to separate offsets or bulbs, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one growth point.
- Trim any damaged roots and remove old or dead foliage.
Step 2: Preparing the Divisions for Storage
If you are not planting immediately, store the divisions properly to prevent rot and dehydration:
- Allow the divisions to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for a day or two.
- Dust the bulbs with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections.
- Place the divisions in a paper bag or mesh container with peat moss or vermiculite.
- Store in a cool, dry location until spring planting.
Step 3: Preparing for Spring Planting
As spring approaches, prepare your garden bed for planting:
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in compost or organic matter to enrich fertility.
- Ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Step 4: Planting the Divided Lilies
Follow these steps for successful planting:
- Dig holes about 6 to 8 inches deep, spaced 12 to 15 inches apart.
- Place each division in the hole with the pointed end facing upward.
- Cover with soil and gently firm it around the bulbs.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Step 5: Caring for Your Lilies After Planting
Proper care ensures healthy growth and abundant blooms:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering.
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent seed formation.
Conclusion
Preparing divided Oriental lilies for spring planting is a rewarding process that enhances your garden’s beauty. With proper division, storage, and planting techniques, you can enjoy vibrant, fragrant blooms year after year.