How to Propagate Lilies: A StepbyStep Guide

How to Propagate Lilies?

To propagate lilies, there are several methods to choose from.

One method is to propagate from scales, which are the entire lily bulb.

These scales can be harvested about two months after the blooms are done and stored in a zip-top baggie filled with peat moss.

Division is another easy method, where you separate the baby bulbs from the mother plants and relocate them by burying them in small holes.

Bulblets can also be used for propagation.

These small bulbs can be found on the top or base of the lily plant and can be nurtured by planting them indoors or elsewhere in the garden.

Lily stem bulbils, which grow along the stems, can also be detached and nurtured to form new lilies.

Additionally, clumps of lilies can be lifted and separated, especially for varieties like L.

pardalinum.

Overall, lilies can be propagated through various methods, each suited for different parts of the plant.

Key Points:

  • Propagation of lilies can be done through several methods.
  • Scales, which are the entire lily bulb, can be harvested and stored in peat moss.
  • Division involves separating baby bulbs from the mother plants and burying them in small holes.
  • Bulblets, found on the top or base of the lily plant, can be planted indoors or in the garden.
  • Lily stem bulbils, growing along the stems, can be detached and nurtured for new lilies.
  • Clumps of lilies, especially L. pardalinum, can be lifted and separated for propagation.


Did You Know?

1. Lilies have a unique propagation method called “scaling.” This involves removing the scales from the bulb of a lily plant and transplanting them to grow new clones.

2. The word “lily” comes from the Greek word “leirion,” which is believed to be derived from the ancient Egyptian word “li,” meaning “white.” This suggests that the earliest cultivated lilies were likely white.

3. While most lilies are considered fragrant, the scent of the flowers can vary significantly between species and hybrids. Some lilies have a sweet, enchanting fragrance, while others emit a strong, spicy scent.

4. Lilies are not only beautiful but also have symbolic meanings across various cultures. In Chinese culture, lilies symbolize summer and abundance, while in ancient Roman mythology, lilies were associated with the goddess Venus and represented love and fertility.

5. Lilies are not just limited to the Earth; they have also made their way into space. In 1988, lily bulbs were taken aboard the space shuttle Discovery on the STS-26 mission, making them the first flower bulbs to travel to space and return to Earth safely.

Lily Propagation Methods

Lilies are beautiful and elegant flowers that can add a touch of grace to any garden. If you want to expand your lily garden, there are several methods of propagating lilies that you can try. These methods include propagating from scales, bulbils, bulblets, and seeds. Each method has its own unique advantages and can result in successful propagation.

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Propagating Lilies From Scales

One of the most effective methods of propagating lilies is through scales. Scales are the entire lily bulb and can be used to propagate new lilies. This method is essentially a cloning process, as it produces exact copies of the parent plant.

To propagate lilies from scales, you will need to harvest the scales about two months after the blooms are done. Carefully remove the scales from the bulb, making sure to leave some of the basal plate attached.

These scales can then be stored in a zip-top sandwich baggie filled with peat moss. Don’t forget to label the baggie with the type of lily and the date of harvest. The baggies can be stored at around 70°F for a few weeks, allowing you to observe bulblet production without opening the bag.

Once the bulblets have formed roots and grown to a good size, they can be detached and planted in pots or stored separately in bags of peat moss in the refrigerator. The scales can be returned for incubation or planted with the attached bulblets to nourish them until they are ready to be planted out in a nursery bed.

Replanting Lily Bulblets

Another method of lily propagation is through bulblets. Bulblets are tiny bulbs that can be found on the top or base of the lily plant. These bulblets can either fall off the lily stalks or be found at the base of the mother lily. To propagate lilies from bulblets, you will need to search for them on spent lily stalks. Gently twist and remove the bulblets from the plant, taking care not to damage them. Once the bulblets are detached, you can nurture them by planting them indoors, placing them in damp peat moss in the fridge, or planting them elsewhere in the garden. Make sure to water the bulblets regularly and keep an eye out for signs of growth.

Propagating From Lily Stem Bulbils

Lily stem bulbils are small lily bulbs that grow along the stems, particularly seen in Asiatic lilies. They can be an excellent source for propagating new lilies.

To propagate lilies from stem bulbils, inspect the lily plant stems to find the bulbils. Gently twist and remove any bulbils found on the stem, making sure to handle them with care.

Once the bulbils are detached, you can nurture them to form strong and healthy lilies. Keep in mind that most lilies will naturally divide and create new bulbs without any intervention. However, certain lily varieties, such as Asiatics, are known to produce 2 to 4 new bulbs in a year.

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Dividing Lilies For Propagation

Dividing lilies is an easy and effective method to increase the number of lily plants in your garden. This method involves separating the baby bulbs from the mother plants by gently digging and separating them. Ensuring that the roots of the tiny lily bulbs remain intact is essential for successful growth. Once separated, relocate the bulbs by burying them in small holes, roots facing down. Lightly water the transplanted bulbs to help them acclimate to their new environment.

It’s important to note that certain lily varieties, such as Trumpets and Aurelians, take longer to divide compared to others. If your lilies are doing well, it’s best to leave them undisturbed. However, clumps of lilies can be lifted and gently separated to create new plants. Rhizomatous lilies, like L. pardalinum, can be cut apart to form new plants. During this process, small bulblets can often be found in the clumps. If these bulblets have roots attached, they can be moved to better positions or a nursery bed for further growth.

Storing And Nurturing Lily Scales

When propagating lilies from scales, it’s important to remember not to take too many scales from the bulbs, as they serve as the bulb’s food supply for the next year. To store the scales, place them in a plastic bag with damp peat moss or vermiculite. Label the bag with the type of lily and the date of harvest. Store the bag at around 70°F for a few weeks, allowing you to observe bulblet production without opening the bag. Some people prefer to detach the bulblets when they have formed roots and grown to a good size. These bulblets can be planted in pots or stored in separate bags of peat moss in the refrigerator. The scales can be returned for incubation or planted with the attached bulblets to nourish them. Scale bulblets require 6 to 12 weeks of chilling in the refrigerator before making top growth. In the spring, they can be planted out four inches apart in a nursery bed. Within a couple of years, they will grow into blooming-size bulbs.

Tip: When propagating lilies, remember not to take too many scales from the bulbs. They serve as the bulb’s food supply for the next year.

  • Place the scales in a plastic bag with damp peat moss or vermiculite.
  • Label the bag with the type of lily and the date of harvest.
  • Store the bag at around 70°F for a few weeks.
  • Observe bulblet production without opening the bag.
  • Detach the bulblets when they have formed roots and grown to a good size.
  • Plant the bulblets in pots or store them in separate bags of peat moss in the refrigerator.
  • The scales can be returned for incubation or planted with the attached bulblets to nourish them.
  • Scale bulblets require 6 to 12 weeks of chilling in the refrigerator before making top growth.
  • Plant them four inches apart in a nursery bed in the spring.
  • Within a couple of years, they will grow into blooming-size bulbs.
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Note: Propagating lilies can be a rewarding process that allows you to expand your lily garden and enjoy the beauty of these stunning flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lilies be grown from cuttings?

Yes, lilies can be grown from cuttings, but it requires a different method than the usual process of growing them from bulbs. Rather than directly growing lilies from stem cuttings, they must first develop bulbils or bulblets. These small bulbs will eventually grow into full-sized lilies, making it an alternate method of propagation. Additionally, if time is not a constraint, lilies can also be grown from seeds which can be harvested and planted. However, this method is a lengthier process compared to growing them from bulbils or bulblets.

How do you propagate lily stems?

Lily stems can be efficiently propagated by utilizing both stems and leaves. To propagate using stems, simply detach a stem piece, ensuring it has some attached tissue, and immerse it in rooting hormone. Place the stem in either wet sand or a moist potting soil. After approximately a month, you will observe the emergence of a small bulb along with the growth of roots. This method proves effective in generating new lily plants from stem cuttings. Additionally, leaves can also be used for propagation. Remove a leaf with a small portion of stem tissue, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in wet sand or moist potting soil. Over time, this leaf will develop roots and, eventually, form a bulb as well.

Will lilies regrow after cutting?

Yes, lilies will regrow after they are cut, but their flowering capacity may be diminished the following year. It is crucial for the flower stem and foliage to naturally wither and provide energy back to the bulb to ensure optimal growth. However, if you do choose to use lilies as cut flowers, fret not, as they will eventually mature and flourish again over time.

How do lilies multiply?

Lilies possess a remarkable ability to multiply and spread through various means. Firstly, each lily bulb has the capacity to generate new bulbs from its base, allowing for a multiplication of plant matter. Moreover, lilies also produce bulbils, which emerge from the leaf joints along the stem and serve as additional means of propagation. These bulbils contribute to the expansion and spread of lilies, particularly in favorable conditions such as a sheltered location with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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