Lilies or Lilium (both spellings are now accepted) are majestic plants that bring a touch of elegance to gardens. But, if you have lilies or Lilium currently in pots, know that it is entirely possible to replant them in ground to enjoy their flowering year after year. This guide explains when and how to replant your lilies, where to place them so they thrive, and which tools are needed for a successful transplant.
For full details on growing lilies, read Lilies, Lilium: planting, growing and care.
When to replant lilies?
Best time to replant lilies is in autumn, between September and October, once the plant has finished its flowering cycle. At this time, foliage begins to yellow and bulbs enter dormancy. This makes them easier to move with minimal stress.
Lily bulbs can also be planted in spring (March–April) after severe frosts have passed. In particular, Asian lily types are usually planted in spring.
Where to replant your lilies?
Lilies need a well-chosen spot to prosper. Here are some criteria to help find best place in garden:
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
- Aspect : choose a sunny or part-shaded spot. Lilies like their heads in sun but prefer their bases in shade to avoid excess heat. Keep some vegetation at their base;
- Soil : choose well-drained, rich and light soil. If soil is heavy or clayey, amend with compost or some potting compost to improve drainage. Lily bulbs dislike excess moisture, which can cause rot;
- Protection : if possible, plant lilies in an area sheltered from strong winds that could break stems or damage flowers.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
- Aspect : choose a sunny or part-shaded spot. Lilies like their heads in sun but prefer their bases in shade to avoid excess heat. Keep some vegetation at their base;
- Soil : choose well-drained, rich and light soil. If soil is heavy or clayey, amend with compost or some potting compost to improve drainage. Lily bulbs dislike excess moisture, which can cause rot;
- Protection : if possible, plant lilies in an area sheltered from strong winds that could break stems or damage flowers.
Tools needed for planting
- A spade, a transplanter or a bulb planter
- Some potting compost or well-rotted compost
- A watering can
- Some mulch (wood chips, straw) to protect soil surface
How to replant lily bulbs grown in pots?
1-Loosen soil to about 20–30 cm depth. If needed, add compost to enrich soil and improve drainage.
2-With pot of lilies in hand, you have two options: first, remove whole rootball from pot and plant entire clump of bulbs in ground; second, remove rootball and separate bulbs for future planting. I recommend second option, as it lets you plant bulbs individually with correct spacing and also check bulb condition (no mould, firm to touch).
3-Dig planting holes for each bulb. Lily bulbs should be planted at 15–20 cm depth, with spacing of 20–30 cm between bulbs to give room to develop.
4-Plant each bulb with point facing upwards. If planting several bulbs, group them in small clusters of 3–5 for a denser, more harmonious flowering display.
5-Fill hole with excavated soil or potting compost, then firm lightly with hands so bulbs make good contact with soil, but avoid over-compacting.
6-Water generously at planting to moisten soil around bulbs and aid rooting. Do not overwater afterwards, since bulbs must not remain in waterlogged soil.
7-Apply a layer of mulch to protect bulbs from winter weather and retain good soil moisture in spring. Alternatively, plant bulbs within a well-filled perennial border: remember lilies like their heads in sun and their bases in shade.
Oli’s little tip: during flowering, water lilies moderately if climate is dry and remove faded flowers to prevent bulb exhaustion.
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