When to Plant a Daylily

Spring Planting

• Spring is the best time for planting newly divided and new daylilies. You can plant daylilies as soon as the soil is thawed and dry enough to work. Late spring frosts won't damage the lily bulbs as they are immune to most winter damage. Planting in spring gives the plants an entire summer season to establish roots and collect energy from the soil and sun, which helps ensure healthy plants the next year. Spring planted daylilies may not flower the first year, but they will produce foliage as they establish.

Fall Planting

• Fall planting is also common with daylilies. If you choose to plant in fall, do so early in the season so the plants have at least six weeks to establish in the bed before they go dormant for winter. Autumn flowering varieties can also be dug, divided and replanted once their flowering cycle completes in fall. Fall planted daylilies usually begin flowering right on time the following spring, summer or autumn. There is no delay in flowering as the plants are established as soon as the growing season begins.

Summer Planting

• Daylilies aren't picky and can also be planted at any time throughout the summer months. Summer planted lilies rarely bloom until the following year. The exception is plants that are dug, divided and replanted after their early summer flowering cycle completes. If you plant lilies during the hottest part of summer, ensure the bed remains watered and moist so that the new plants can produce a healthy root system.

Planting Method

• Daylilies are planted the same regardless of the season in which you choose to plant them. Plant in a bed that has rich, well-drained soil and receives full sunlight or light afternoon shade. Plant the daylilies in holes that are deep enough to hold the root system without crowding the plant. The sections where the stems and roots meet, called the crown, should sit 1 inch beneath the soil surface. Space the lilies 12 to 16 inches apart in all directions.