How to Grow Lilies in Pots

Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of a container with drainage holes that is at least 8 to 10 inches in diameter and at least 8 to 10 inches deep.

Mix together the medium of two parts sand, one part loam (or compost) and one part peat moss. Place 1 to 3 inches of soil in the container. Place three lily bulbs in the container with about 1/2 inch between the bulbs.

Cover the smaller bulbs with 4 inches of soil, leaving a 1-inch gap from the top of the container lip. For larger bulbs, cover the bulbs with 6 inches of soil leaving a 1-inch gap from the container lip. Water the container with 1/2 gallon of water and not again until the soil is dry.

Place the container in a dark location where the room temperature is about 40 degrees for about two to three weeks until you see a sprout. Then move the container into indirect light, but keep the temperature the same or in the mid-50s. At this time, you can place the container outside if the temperatures will not drop to 40 or below.

Keep up the watering schedule of 1/2 gallon of water each time and do not water until the soil is dry. Flowers will appear in two to three months depending on the weather, but oriental lilies can take about two to four weeks longer than trumpets and orienpets.

Apply 5-10-10 (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) slow-release fertilizer once in spring. Use the amount recommended on the packaging for the size of the container.

Remove the flower tops with pruning shears after the flowers are spent, but do not cut off more than one-third of the top. This will promote bulb growth. Reduce watering at the end of August so the leaves can turn yellow and die back. Cut the stems off at the soil. Store the containers in a cool place or refrigerator for the winter and do not water.