Plant lily bulbs in fall, from mid-September through October in cold climates (UMN, Nebraska Extension) or any time before the ground freezes farther south (Missouri). Early spring also works if you plant as soon as the soil can be worked (Nebraska Extension). Set bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep, roughly three times the bulb's diameter (Iowa State, Missouri), 8 to 12 inches apart in groups of 3 to 5 (UMN). Keep lilies away from cats: the FDA says every part of a true lily can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.
This guide is about true lilies (Lilium): Asiatic, Oriental, trumpet, martagon and their hybrids, grown from scaly bulbs. Daylilies are a different plant. Nebraska Extension says early, mid-season and late cultivars together can give flowers from June to September. Lily bulbs are never fully dormant, so plant them soon after you buy them and don't let them dry out (Nebraska Extension). Pick firm bulbs with roots attached (UMN).
When to plant lilies by region
| Area | When to plant lily bulbs |
|---|---|
| Zones 3 to 5 (Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa) | Mid-September through October (UMN, Nebraska Extension); early fall in Iowa (Iowa State). Mulch 4 to 6 inches before winter (UMN) |
| Zones 6 to 7 (Missouri and similar) | Any time in fall before the ground freezes; Madonna lily in late summer or very early fall (Missouri) |
| Zone 8 (much of the South) | Fall (NC State lists lilies for zones 3a to 8b). Shade the roots and give Oriental lilies relief from hot afternoon sun (NC State, Nebraska Extension) |
| Spring planting, any zone | As early as possible once the soil can be worked (Nebraska Extension); handle sprouted bulbs gently so the tip doesn't break (Iowa State) |
| Potted lilies, any zone | Spring or summer, at the depth they were growing in the pot (Iowa State) |
Fall planting gives the bulbs time to root before winter. In cold areas, mulch fall plantings with several inches of straw or pine needles (Iowa State); UMN mulches 4 to 6 inches deep to delay soil freezing. UMN also suggests choosing lilies hardy to at least zone 4 in Minnesota. Easter lilies sold in pots aren't reliably hardy in Nebraska (Nebraska Extension). Our planting calendar shows your first fall frost, so you can plan to plant a few weeks before the ground freezes.
How deep and far apart to plant lilies
| Lily bulbs | |
|---|---|
| Depth | About three times the bulb's diameter, usually 6 to 8 in (Iowa State); a hole 2 to 3 times the bulb's height (Missouri); 4 to 6 in over large bulbs and 2 to 4 in over small ones (Nebraska Extension, UMN); NC State says 8 in |
| Position | Pointed end up (Missouri) |
| Spacing | 8 to 12 in apart in groups of 3 to 5, with groups 3 to 5 ft apart (Nebraska Extension, UMN) |
| Soil | Well-drained; pH 6.0 to 7.0 (Iowa State) or 6.0 to 6.5 (Missouri). Loosen the soil 12 to 15 in deep (Missouri), and use raised beds if the ground stays wet (Iowa State) |
| Sun | At least 6 hours (Iowa State), 8 in Minnesota (UMN); martagons take 2 to 4 hours (Iowa State). Sun on the leaves and shade on the roots (NC State) |
Watering, feeding and staking
- Water: about 1 inch a week (Iowa State), watering deeply once a week in dry spells (Missouri). A 2-inch mulch keeps the roots cool (Iowa State, Missouri).
- Feed: in spring as shoots emerge, with an all-purpose or higher-phosphorus fertilizer (Iowa State). Missouri feeds 10-10-10 at emergence and again before flowering; UMN uses 5-10-10. Iowa State stops about six weeks after bloom.
- Stake tall types, especially Orientals, before they flop (Iowa State, Missouri).
- After bloom: snap off the faded flowers but keep the stem and leaves, which feed next year's bulb (Iowa State). UMN leaves the foliage until fall and cuts the dead stalks in early spring.
- Divide crowded clumps about every 3 years (Nebraska Extension).
Lilies in containers
Lilies grow well in large pots, and Iowa State says potted lilies can go in the ground in spring or summer at the same depth they grew in the pot. UMN warns that free-standing containers swing between temperature extremes, so in cold areas sink the pot into the ground or move it somewhere sheltered for winter (GardenPal suggestion based on that warning).
Cutting lilies for the vase
Iowa State leaves at least half to two-thirds of the stem on the plant so the bulb can rebuild, and suggests removing the anthers. Their pollen easily stains fabric (GardenPal note). If cats share your home, the FDA's warning covers cut lilies, their pollen and even the vase water.
Lily leaf beetle and other problems
The lily leaf beetle is a bright red, half-inch beetle from Europe that feeds only on true lilies and fritillaria, not daylilies (UMass). Adults appear around mid-April, and eggs show up on leaf undersides in May. Larvae hide under their own droppings. UMass recommends hand-picking adults, eggs and larvae, and says neem works on young larvae. If you use spinosad, UMass warns it is toxic to pollinators until dry, so don't spray open flowers. Asiatic hybrids are the most susceptible (UMass). Iowa State also lists aphids, botrytis, slugs, rabbits and deer, and NC State notes that aphids spread lily mosaic virus and that bulbs rot in wet soil.
Lilies around the vegetable garden
Lilies like their roots shaded, so low plants or mulch at their feet help (NC State). Tall Orientals fit at the back or north side of a bed where they won't shade crops (GardenPal suggestion). They bloom after spring bulbs and with summer flowers; see when to plant peonies, when to plant alliums and when to plant dahlias.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant lily bulbs?
Fall: mid-September through October in cold areas (UMN, Nebraska Extension), or any time before the ground freezes (Missouri). Early spring works too (Nebraska Extension).
How deep do you plant lily bulbs?
About three times the bulb's diameter, usually 6 to 8 inches (Iowa State). Nebraska Extension and UMN cover large bulbs with 4 to 6 inches of soil and small ones with 2 to 4.
Can I plant lilies in spring?
Yes, as early as you can work the soil (Nebraska Extension). Handle sprouted bulbs carefully so the tip doesn't break (Iowa State).
How far apart should lilies be planted?
8 to 12 inches apart in groups of 3 to 5 (UMN, Nebraska Extension).
Are lilies poisonous to cats?
Yes. The FDA says all parts of true lilies and daylilies, including pollen and vase water, can cause fatal kidney failure in cats. Call a veterinarian right away if a cat may have been exposed.
Should I cut lilies back after they bloom?
Remove the spent flowers but keep the stem and leaves until they die down in fall (Iowa State, UMN).
Enter your frost dates to see your first fall frost and plan when to plant bulbs.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- Iowa State University Extension, "Growing lilies in Iowa"
- Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, "Lilies bring summer color to your garden"
- University of Missouri Extension, "Plant true lilies in fall for striking spring color"
- University of Minnesota Extension FS-1112-A, "Selecting lilies for your garden" (PDF)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Lilium"
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Lovely lilies and curious cats: a dangerous combination"
- UMass Amherst Extension, "Lily leaf beetle"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.