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Propagating lilies

ThankthecatThankthecat Posts: 421
in Plants

While I was pottering yesterday I dug up a yellow bulb-type thingy which split into separate scales. I think it must be a lily - I planted a dozen or so years ago - but this one didn't flower this year. How do I grow new lilies from them?

Posts

  • homebirdhomebird Posts: 110

    I put the scales in a plastic bag with compost and leave the bag hanging in the greenhouse until spring. Small bulbils will grow from the edge of the scale. 

  • ThankthecatThankthecat Posts: 421

    Thanks Philippa and Homebird. I'll put some straight in pots and some in a bag and do a comparison image

  • ThankthecatThankthecat Posts: 421

    Hmm, might have to raid hubby's brewing supplies then! Thanks Hortico!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 84,046

    Spahgnum moss is useful because it holds moisture and air at the same time - both of which are important for healthy root formation.  

    Moisture without air will cause roots to rot.  Air without moisture will cause roots to dry out and die. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ThankthecatThankthecat Posts: 421
    So these lily scales all developed bulbils and I potted them up individually last year. Some produced slender top growth last summer. They are still in their individual pots - can they go in the ground now or should I pot them on into bigger pots and cosset them a bit longer? 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,189
    I would pot on and cosset them for at least one more season.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
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