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 garden or replace a plant that failed? Grab
a pot of lilies for an instant makeover. Expecting company or just want to add some excitement                  (and fragrance!) to your entry way? Arrange a few pots near the front door and fill them with lilies.

What’s Included in Your Kit

Your kit includes a bag of soil, 5 lily bulbs, the decorative pot, a lid and a small plastic
bag containing 3 rubber plugs.

Step 1: Save the Base Plugs

Your container comes with a bag containing three rubber plugs. Install the plugs when
starting your plants indoors or when moving inside to store for the winter. 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 2/3 of the soil included in your kit. Place your lily bulbs with the
top facing up, spaced evenly in the container. Cover the lily bulbs with the remaining
soil so that they are 6” below the soil line.

Step 3: Watering Your Lilies

Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. If the sunny location you’ve chosen for
your container is in full sun during the hotter afternoon hours your soil is more likely to
dry out quickly.

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. They can also be
removed from the container and replanted in perennial beds.