Learning how to transplant lilies is a simple way to refresh your garden and multiply your favorite blooms. Moving lilies successfully involves timing the dig to when the plant is dormant. This is the golden rule that ensures your plants recover quickly and thrive in their new location.
Whether your clumps are overgrown, need more sun, or you simply want to share them, transplanting is a straightforward process. With the right timing and technique, you can move these beautiful perennials with confidence. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to aftercare.
How To Transplant Lilies
The core process of transplanting lilies can be broken down into a few key stages. Getting each step right protects the bulbs and gives them the best start. Let’s look at the essential tools and the ideal time to begin your project.
Essential Tools And Materials
Gathering your supplies before you start makes the job smoother. You won’t need anything too specialized, just a few common garden tools.
- A sturdy garden spade or shovel
- A garden fork for loosening soil
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife
- Gardening gloves
- Baskets or buckets for holding bulbs
- Well-rotted compost or aged manure
- A watering can or hose with a gentle spray attachment
- Labels if you are moving different varieties
The Best Time To Transplant Lilies
Timing is the most critical factor for success. The goal is to disturb the plant when it is least active and has the most time to establish roots before demanding growth.
Transplanting in Fall
Fall is generally the best and most recommended time for transplanting most lily varieties. After the foliage has turned yellow and died back, the bulb has entered dormancy. It has stored energy for the next season and can handle being moved. In most climates, aim for 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes hard.
Transplanting in Early Spring
Early spring is the second-best option, but you must act very early. You need to dig up the bulbs just as the new growth is beginning to peek through the soil, but before it gets more than a few inches tall. If you wait to long, you risk damaging the tender new stem, which can severely set back or even kill the plant for the season.
When to Avoid Transplanting
Never transplant lilies when they are in full bloom or actively growing with green foliage. This shocks the plant, diverts energy from flowering and root development, and often results in failure. Mid-summer is the worst possible time to attempt a move.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your lily bulbs transition safely to their new home. Working methodically protects the bulbs and gives you the best results.
Step 1: Preparing The New Planting Site
Always prepare the new hole before you dig up the lily. This minimizes the time the bulbs spend out of the ground. Lilies need well-draining soil more than anything else. They will rot in heavy, soggy clay.
- Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Some varieties tolerate partial shade.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12-15 inches using your garden fork or shovel.
- Mix in a generous amount of compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. If your soil is very heavy, consider creating a raised bed or mixing in some coarse sand.
- Allow the prepared site to sit while you dig up the existing lilies.
Step 2: Digging Up The Lily Clump
This step requires a gentle hand. Your goal is to lift the entire clump without slicing through bulbs.
- If the foliage is present (for spring moves), cut the stems back to about 4-6 inches above the ground so they are out of your way.
- Insert your spade into the soil in a wide circle, about 8-10 inches away from the base of the plant stems. This gives you a good buffer zone.
- Push the spade down deep and gently lever the entire root ball out of the ground. You may need to work your way around the circle.
- Lift the clump onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow for easy transport and further work.
Step 3: Dividing The Bulbs
This is the perfect opportunity to divide overgrown clumps. Healthy lily bulbs multiply, forming new bulblets around the main bulb. Dividing them gives each one more space and resources.
- Gently shake off excess soil from the root ball. You can also rinse it lightly with a hose to see the bulb structure clearly.
- Carefully pull the bulbs apart by hand. They should separate easily at natural divisions. If they are stubborn, use your clean, sharp knife to cut between them, ensuring each division has roots attached.
- Inspect each bulb. They should be firm and plump. Discard any that are mushy, rotten, or have significant damage.
- If you are not replanting immediately, place the bulbs in a bucket with slightly damp peat moss or shredded newspaper to keep them from drying out.
Step 4: Planting The Lilies In Their New Location
Proper planting depth and orientation is crucial for lilies to grow straight and strong.
- Dig individual holes for each bulb. The general rule is to plant the bulb at a depth three times its height. For most standard lily bulbs, this means a hole about 6 to 8 inches deep.
- Place a small handful of compost or bone meal at the bottom of the hole for extra nutrients.
- Set the bulb in the hole with its roots spread out downward and the pointed growing tip facing upward. If you see a sprout (in spring), that side goes up.
- Backfill the hole with the amended soil, firming it gently around the bulb to eliminate large air pockets.
- Space bulbs about 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety’s mature size.
Step 5: Immediate Aftercare
The first few weeks after transplanting are vital for establishment. Your care now supports strong root growth.
- Water Thoroughly: Immediately after planting, give the area a deep, slow watering. This settles the soil around the bulbs.
- Apply Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or straw, around the planting area. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates the soil from temperature swings. Keep the mulch a little away from any emerging stems.
- Mark the Spot: Use a plant label or small stake to mark where you planted each group. This prevents you from accidentally digging in the area before they emerge.
Caring for Transplanted Lilies
Your job isn’t quite done after planting. Consistent care in the first growing season ensures your transplanted lilies recover their vigor and put on a great display.
Watering And Feeding Schedule
Transplanted lilies need consistent moisture but never wet feet. Their feeding needs are modest but important.
- Water the newly planted bulbs deeply once a week if rainfall is insufficient. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy.
- Once shoots emerge and grow, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a fertilizer formulated for bulbs. Follow the package instructions carefully.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote weak, leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- After the lilies have finished blooming, you can apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer or some compost tea to help the bulb rebuild its energy stores for next year.
Staking And Support
Some taller lily varieties, especially those in less than full sun, may need support to prevent them from toppling over, especially when in bloom.
Place a sturdy stake near the bulb at planting time or as the stem grows. Tie the stem to the stake loosely with soft plant ties, allowing room for growth. This is easier than trying to stake a full-grown, floppy plant later.
Managing Pests And Diseases
Healthy, well-sited lilies have few problems. However, keep an eye out for common issues.
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on buds and new growth. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Red Lily Beetle: This bright red pest is a serious threat. Hand-pick and destroy any adults, larvae, and eggs you see on leaves and stems.
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves and flowers, especially in wet weather. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected plant parts.
- Bulb Rot: Caused by overly wet soil. Ensure perfect drainage is the best prevention. If a bulb rots, remove it immediately to prevent spread.
Special Considerations for Different Lily Types
While the basic transplanting principles apply to all lilies, there are slight nuances for different groups.
Asiatic And Oriental Lilies
These are the most common garden lilies. They transplant very well using the standard fall or early spring method. Asiatic lilies tend to multiply faster and may need dividing more frequently, every 2-3 years. Oriental lilies are a bit more slow-growing.
Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies, including the popular Aurelian hybrids, have similar needs. They often grow very tall and almost always require staking. Be extra careful with their large, fleshy bulbs when dividing.
Species Lilies And Naturalizing Lilies
Wild or species lilies, like the Canada Lily or Turk’s Cap Lily, often prefer to be left undisturbed. Only transplant them if absolutely necessary, and try to mimic their natural soil conditions as closely as possible. Some, like the Martagon lily, can be slow to re-establish after moving.
Common Transplanting Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps. Avoid these common pitfalls for guaranteed success.
- Transplanting at the Wrong Time: Moving lilies in summer during active growth is the number one cause of failure. Stick to dormancy.
- Planting Too Shallow or Too Deep: Shallow planting leads to instability and poor rooting; excessive depth can suffocate the bulb or delay emergence.
- Overcrowding Bulbs: Giving divided bulbs enough space (8-12 inches) prevents competition for light, water, and nutrients, leading to healthier plants and better blooms.
- Neglecting to Water After Planting: That initial deep watering is non-negotiable for settling soil and initiating root growth. Don’t skip it.
- Using Poor Quality Soil: Lilies simply will not thrive in heavy, compacted, or nutrient-poor soil. Amending the planting site is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Transplant Lilies In The Summer?
It is highly not recommended to transplant lilies during the summer. This is when they are actively growing and flowering. The stress of moving at this time can cause bud drop, stem failure, and severely weaken the bulb, often resulting in the loss of the plant.
How Often Should You Divide Lily Bulbs?
You should consider dividing your lily bulbs every 3 to 4 years. A clear sign it’s time is when the clump becomes overcrowded, producing fewer and smaller flowers than in previous seasons. Vigorous Asiatic types may need it more often than others.
What Is The Best Soil For Transplanted Lilies?
The best soil for lilies is loose, fertile, and very well-draining. They thrive in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amending garden soil with plenty of compost is the best way to achieve the right structure. Good drainage is the single most important factor.
Can You Move Lilies While They Are Blooming?
You should never move lilies while they are in bloom. The process will almost certainly damage the flowers and the current year’s growth. It places immense stress on the plant. Always wait until the blooms have faded and the plant has begun to enter dormancy for the best results.
How Deep Do You Plant Lily Bulbs When Transplanting?
A good rule of thumb is to plant lily bulbs about three times as deep as the bulb is tall. For most common garden lilies, this translates to a planting depth of roughly 6 to 8 inches from the top of the bulb to the soil surface. This depth provides stability, insulation, and room for root development.