How to propagate lily?

Lilies can be propagated through several methods, including division, scaling, and bulbils. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to propagate lilies using each method:

1. Division:

   • Timing: The best time to divide lilies is in early spring or late fall when the plants are dormant.
   • Dig up the lily bulb clump carefully, taking care not to damage the bulbs or roots.
   • Separate the individual bulbs from the clump, ensuring that each bulb has its own set of roots.
   • Cut off any damaged or diseased parts of the bulbs.
   • Plant the divided bulbs in a prepared garden bed or containers, ensuring they are at the appropriate planting depth (typically 2-3 times the bulb's height).
   • Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly and provide them with proper care to encourage growth.

2. Scaling:

   • Timing: Scaling is typically done in late summer or early fall.
   • Select healthy lily bulbs and remove any outer scales, leaving the inner scales intact.
   • Place the scales in a plastic bag with a moistened medium such as peat moss or a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite.
   • Store the bag in a cool location (around 41°F/5°C) for several weeks to allow the scales to develop bulblets.
   • After bulblets have formed, remove them from the scales and plant them in containers or a prepared garden bed.
   • Provide proper care and monitor the bulblets' growth until they mature into flowering-sized bulbs.

3. Bulbils:

   • Some lily species produce bulbils, small bulb-like structures that form in the leaf axils.
   • When the bulbils are mature and about the size of a pea, gently remove them from the plant.
   • Plant the bulbils in a container or a prepared garden bed, burying them at a shallow depth.
   • Water the bulbils regularly and provide proper care to encourage their growth.
   • It may take a few years for the bulbils to develop into flowering-sized bulbs, but they will eventually produce lily plants.

Regardless of the propagation method used, it's important to provide proper care to the newly propagated lilies, including regular watering, fertilization, and protection from extreme weather conditions. With patience and attention, you can successfully propagate lilies and enjoy a beautiful display of flowers in your garden.