How to Grow Single-Flower Lilies

Environment

• Lilies are vigorously growing plants that require a deep, slightly acidic growing environment with pH levels that rest between 6.5 and 7.0. The planting location should be well drained as these plants are intolerant of saturated soils and wet feet. Though sun-loving, lilies respond poorly to intense, direct sunlight. Plant your lilies in locations that receive 8 to 10 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day.

Pruning

• Depending on the type of lilies you grow, the lily plants may require some pruning and pinching to maintain one flower per stem. While Asiatic lilies and calla lilies commonly grow just one bloom per stalk, other lilies, such as the trumpet lily and Turk’s cap lily, commonly have multiple blooms per stalk. Watch the growth of each stalk and pinch away unwanted flower stems as they appear. Always deadhead spent blooms with sharp, sterile shears. Feel free to cut back unwanted stalks from the base of the lily plant to prevent clustering.

Care

• To promote healthy growth, irrigate your lily plants deeply as the soil begins to lose moisture. Allow the soil to dry slightly between each watering session to prevent overwatering, and resulting root rot and disease. Fertilize your lily plants in the early spring with a low-nitrogen, slow release fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 8-8-8 combination. Feed your lilies about once a month throughout the growing season. Cease all fertilizer applications in the early to mid fall to allow the lilies to harden before the dormancy period.

Dormancy

• The lily bulbs will continue to absorb energy long after the plant completes its blooming season. During this period of regeneration, the lily plant maintains a healthy stalk, and green foliage and stems. Do not cut down the stalk or remove the stems during this non-blooming period, as this will deplete the stored energy in the lily bulb. Cut down the stalk to surface level once the stalk begins to lose its green color and the foliage and stems begin to wilt. Apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of fresh mulch over the planting area to protect the bulbs from the winter elements during the dormancy period.