How to Care for Rain Lilies

Plant your rain lily bulbs in appropriate locations. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends planting rain lilies in moist, rich, well-draining soils. Rain lilies can handle partially shady to fully sunny locations.

Fertilize the planting site for your rain lily bulbs. Add compost or a mix of mulch and compost into the soil. This early care promotes healthy plant growth.

Provide your rain lilies with regular weekly watering during the spring and summer months. The soil surrounding the plants should only be moderately dry between the waterings. Water your rain lilies twice a week if the soil becomes excessively dry. Water your lilies once every two weeks throughout the autumn and winter.

Shake the seeds off of your rain lilies after they finish flowering. Allow the seeds to fall on the surrounding ground and keep the soil moist. These seeds might sprout and provide you with more rain lily plants.

Protect your rain lilies during the winter months. Most rain lilies are winter hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11. If you live in a colder zone, spread about 3 inches of mulch, leaves or straw over the growing area. Mulch your rain lilies before the first frost and remove the mulch in the spring so your lilies can grow freely.