Oracle

Plant your bulbs on arrival.

They need to be planted in well-drained soil in full sun or with only partial shade. Lilies are planted with the point facing up.

They should be planted with approximately 10cm of soil above the bulb. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm, this is to ensure the bulb develops a good root system to stabilise the plant.

Lilies should be spaced at least 3 times the width of the bulb apart.

Your lily bulbs are best to be planted now. It is important not to let the bulbs dry out before planting.

Ideally, the ground should be covered in mulch or a ground cover to keep the roots cool.

Should you wish you could add compost to the soil.

You can put a stake next to the lily at planting time. As the lily grows, secure it to the stake as necessary.

Apply Blood and Bone fertiliser or a general purpose fertiliser at planting time (work into the planting area) Every few months side-dress with bulb food or a slow release fertiliser to assist with flowering. Do not use manure.

It is important to keep the lilies watered.

After flowering ensure that you let the leaves brown off naturally before cutting off at ground level. This is to ensure a healthy bulb for next seasons flowering as this draws nutrients into the bulb.

Lilies make great cut flowers – it is important that if you do pick your lilies you leave at least 1/3 of the stem with leaves for the bulb to get the nutrients it needs for flowering next season.

Your lilies are happy to be left in the same position in the garden for years, ideally 4-5 years.

Planting into a pot

Lilies also do well in pots.

Use a good potting mix when planting into pots.

Every 3 years they like to be re-potted with fresh potting mix.

Do not use garden soil in the pots.

Choose a large pot with good drainage.

Fertilise every year and water regularly.