What Do You Feed a Gold Band Lily?

Compost

• Gold band lilies require good drainage to thrive. Poorly draining soil increases the risk of numerous problems, including root rot and mold-related bulb diseases. To improve drainage and enhance the overall soil structure, add organic matter to the planting site before planting your gold band lilies. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost and mix it into the top 6 inches of soil.

Fertilizer at Planting

• Before planting gold band lilies, spread a 5-10-10 complete fertilizer or a fertilizer with a similar nutrient ratio. This bolsters soil nutrient levels and provides a strong foundation for the flowerbed. If you choose to use a 5-10-10 product, spread it at a rate of 3 pounds for every 100 square feet of flowerbed. After spreading the fertilizer, mix it into the top 12 inches of soil with a spade or rototiller.

Annual Fertilizer

• Every year, your gold band lilies will arise out of dormancy and begin pushing new shoots up and out of the soil. At this time, apply your annual fertilization using a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 granular fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 2 pounds for every 100 square feet of lily flowerbed, which works out to approximately 1 pound of fertilizer for the average 5-foot by 10-foot flower bed. Repeat again after your gold band lilies bloom.

Mulch

• Organic mulch feeds your gold band lilies as the mulching matter decomposes. It also helps keep the lily bulbs cool and maintains soil moisture levels. Use shredded wood chips or cocoa shells. Spread the mulch in a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer around the lily plants. A mulch layer that's any thinner than this won't offer optimal weed-blocking benefits.