How to Grow Peruvian Lilies From an Existing Plant

Collect seeds from your existing Peruvian lily as soon as they are ripe. Seed pods turn brown and papery when the seeds inside are ripe. Place the seeds in a paper bag labeled with the collection date and cultivar name and store them in a cool, dry location until you are ready to plant. A kitchen cupboard is an adequate storage spot. The seeds must be kept in dry storage for at least seven months prior to planting.

Prepare planting pots with 1 part perlite and 1 part peat and mix thoroughly. You can use any kind of container you like. Used yogurt or other food containers work well as long as they are clean and you poke drainage holes in the bottom.

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting. A glass, a bowl or any other small watertight container will work.

Plant the seeds at a depth of one-quarter inch and cover them loosely with potting mix. Water slowly or use a mister to avoid dislodging the seeds. Keep the seeds moist, but not soaking.

Place the pots of fall planted seeds directly outdoors. Keep them moist and in a sheltered location, like a covered porch or patio. Place the pots of spring planted seeds in a refrigerator at 41 degrees F for one month prior to placing the pot outside. Ensure the potting medium is moist when you put it in the fridge. The seeds may take between two and six weeks to germinate, depending on the cultivar.

Transplant the lilies into soil in the spring when the seedlings are at least 2 inches tall and the threat of frost has passed. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. Follow the manufacturer's directions for application rates.