How to Force Asiatic Lilies to Bloom

Plant Asiatic lilies in soil that drains well. If the soil is saturated most of the time or if water puddles on top after a rain, it does not drain well. Incorporate 4 to 6 inches of organic matter, such as compost, peat moss or coarse sand, into the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches to help improve drainage.

Grow Asiatic lilies in full sun. They bloom best in an area that receives six to eight hours of sunlight daily. In climates with extremely hot summers, they will benefit from a bit of afternoon shade, even if it's dappled.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus, such as one labeled 5-10-10. Apply the amount directed on the label. Give your Asiatic lilies 1/2 to 1 inch of water after fertilizing.

Clip off dead flowers before they make seed. This practice will force Asiatic lilies to use their energy for producing more blooms rather than making seed. They also will store more energy in their bulbs for next year's blooms.

Avoid pruning green foliage, which is still absorbing sunlight and photosynthesizing it into usable energy to be used for the next growing season's blooms. Instead, wait to prune after the foliage dies back in the fall, when they are finished making energy.

Apply 4 to 6 inches of mulch, such as leaves or straw, after the ground freezes so the Asiatic lilies will grow and bloom next year. Do this the first year after planting because the bulbs are not well established yet and in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 5 in areas where snow coverage is not reliable. Snow actually insulates the ground.