How to Start Lily of the Valley Bulbs Inside

Despite the fragile look of its dainty, bell-like blooms, lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a sturdy perennial that can grow for decades -- if not centuries -- in partially shady gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 8. Lily of the valley is commonly sold in bundles of "pips," sections of rhizome and root with dormant plant buds at the top. Though not true bulbs, like those for tulips or daffodils, rhizomes are classified as bulbs since they are underground storage systems for plant nutrients. Grow lily of the valley indoors in the winter if you want to enjoy its fragrant white or pale pink blooms in your home before planting them out in the spring.

6- to 8-inch diameter plant pot with drainage hole
Potting soil
Bucket
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a bucket with lukewarm water, and submerge the pips for two to three hours, until the rhizomes are plump and firm.
- 2
  Fill the bottom of a plant pot that is at least 6 inches wide and deep with potting mix.
- 3
  Drain the pips, and trim the roots on each with scissors or a sharp knife to 4 inches long.
- 4
  Place lily of the valley pips in the pot 1 1/2 inches apart for a lush look. Pips should be upright so that the end with the bud is about an inch below the rim. Fill in with potting mix until the buds are just at soil level.
- 5
  Water in well to settle the potting soil around the pips. Add more potting mix as necessary.
- 6
  Place the pot in a dark, warm room until they sprout in three to four days.
- 7
  Move the pot to a cool room where they receive indirect light -- north- or east-facing windows are appropriate.
- 8
  Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- 9
  Let the plants die back and dry out after blooming. Do not remove foliage unless it is totally yellow.
- 10
  Replant the pips outdoors in a partially shaded area of the garden -- even under a tree -- in the spring. Space pips 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart in rich soil that drains well.

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