Planting lily bulbs

Penelope15

I bought some lily bulbs from a flower show and they are sprouting slightly. All the advice I can find says you should plant quite deeply - does this apply if they are already sprouting? Thanks.

BobTheGardener

Yes, lilies never really go completely dormant so get them in the ground asap and plant quite deep.  When they send up the flowers next year, the underground portion of the stems will also form roots which is the reason for the deep planting.

Penelope15

Thanks BobTheGardener - very helpful.

BobTheGardener

There's an excellent explanation of lily stem roots here, Penelope (and any one else interested):

http://bdlilies.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/lily-bulbs-not-buried-deep-enough-what.html

Penelope15

Thanks again! As you say, an excellent explanation. I am going to plant my lilies in pots so will look for deep ones.