How to Grow Lilies In Containers

 Having your own supply of potted lilies may be a luxury, but you'll soon come to see it as a necessity. Need to perk up a tired perennial border or replace a plant that failed? Grab a pot of lilies for an instant makeover. Expecting company or just want to add some some excitement (and fragrance!) to your entryway? Arrange a few cachepots near the front door and fill them with potted lilies.

What’s Included in Your Kit

Your kit includes a bag of soil, 5 lily bulbs decorative pot, lid and a small plastic bag containing rubber plugs.

Step 1: Save the Base Plugs

Your container comes with a bag containing three rubber plugs. These are installed when the container is moved inside or when starting plants indoors before being moved outside. When the plugs are removed for outdoor use, this provides adequate drainage for your soil. When indoors, these plugs prevent a leaking mess.

To install, press firmly on the top of the plug until the wider top is flush against the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Arrange Bulbs & Soil

Fill the container with about two-thirds of the soil. Place your lily bulbs with point facing up (top) and the roots down (bottom). Backfill the soil on top of the lily bulbs so that they are 6” below the soil line and evenly spaced out in the container.

Step 3: Watering

Water only when soil is dry to the touch. If the sunny location you’ve chosen for your container takes in more hot, afternoon heat than mid-morning, early afternoon sun, your soil is likely to dry out faster.

Soil should feel moist to the touch but not saturated. A good rule of thumb is to water your lilies every 3 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Soil that becomes overly saturated can lead to bulb rot or other problems, so be sure you’re not over-watering.

Step 4: After Care

Lilies should be planted where they can get full sun or at least half day sun. In hot climates they appreciate being shaded from afternoon heat. As the blossoms begin to fade, you can snip them off to keep the plants looking neat. When all the flowers are spent, remove the entire cluster of spent flowers, but leave the rest of the stem in place.

Step 5: What to do When the Flowers Fade

After blooming, be sure the lilies stay outside to gather sunlight. Leave the foliage on the plant until fall. You can leave the bulbs in the same container for next year, just move it to a protected location, such as an unheated garage or shed.