Can you answer the following questions, or point me to a place I can research this? Of course, the questions will answer themselves with the passage of time!
All of the questions result from my (or the weather's) mistreatment of lilies.
1) Some lily bulbs that I purchased sprouted a lot (4" - 6" or so) before I could plant them. They look healthy -- but are still not in the ground. If I put them in the ground now, can I cover the entire green sprout with dirt? Or are they doomed?
2) Some other lily bulbs that I purchased sprouted before I could plant them -- and then the tips turned brown although the rest of the foliage looks fine. I still haven't planted them. I know they won't bloom this year -- but is there any chance they'll bloom next year? Should I bother planting them?
3) In the case of some other lily bulbs that I recently planted in their ground, their growing tips were knocked off when their stems were still quite short (they pressed against a wire fence and decapitated themselves). I understand it is the leaves that generate the energy to keep the bulbs strong from year to year. If the growing tip is broken off, will the stem still grow? will another stem appear? Or is the plant likely to die?
4) A storm knocked an entire lily stem to the ground, covered with buds. So I brought it in to enjoy. There is only one stem for that bulb -- the one that broke off. As a result it only has a very short stem now, and therefore it has few leaves. Is it likely to die?
If there is a chance the bulbs will live, I'll just wait until next year to see. But if they are very likely to die, I'd like to use their real estate for something else.
Many thanks, and I promise next year to be kinder!
Damaged lilies
I'd say they will all be fine. I'd get all those that aren't planted in the ground as soon as possible. The ones with the green tops -- leave some of the green sticking out of the top. The bulb should be able to support itself for another year or so. You probably won't get blooms from any of them this year, but next year should be fine. Maybe someone else with a lot more knowledge will jump in here and help out. :)
Diann
Happy_macomb,
The lily blub that broke off should come back next year. The lily blubs that are planted by the fence should be moved & replanted in another place. Be sure that you are very careful when you dig them up (trying not to damage the blub) - most people use a pitch fork, & start away from where they think the blub is buried. I would bury the lily blubs that you have not planted six inches deep and see what happens. It is late to be planting blubs in the lily season so I don't think you will have any flowers this year. You will have to wait to next year. There are wonderful people in this forum, that are better experts then I am. They might better know what you should do. I hope this helps.
Debbie
Hap ~ I've had lilies in all of the states that you've mentioned above and most of the time they turn out just fine despite my abuse.
Through trial and error, I've found that bulbs with stems more that a couple inches do best if potted and begin the hardening off process indoors. You don't have to use large pots ~ 4" or 6" pots will do as you don't need to keep them like this for more than a couple weeks. Do try to have and inch or 2 of stem in the soil. Then plant them in a shady location to do their thing. They can then be moved to their permanent location in the Fall.
Thanks to all. I feel pretty relieved.
Moby, I never would have thought of starting them indoors. Thanks for the suggestion! They've been outside up 'till now on a covered porch where I periodically apologize to them and throw a little water their way. Do you think I should bring them in given that they are used to our weather?
Oh, then you're already ahead! I suppose then all you need to do is get them some sun ~ slowly. The indoor potting is when they're well sprouted in the fridge due to my neglect. I believe the many apologies are appreciated. ;)
Yes, Moby, I've been genuflecting like mad to these lilies! And of course, as I plant on them I step on other plants. And then my dog wants to join me wherever I'm working, and she steps on the plants I haven't already stepped on. So I'm not so sure the lilies, or any of the other plants, will ever forgive me!
I'm pretty sure they'll let you know whether or not you've been forgiven. lol
You are so right there. And as I think back over my years of gardening, there are many many plants that really held a grudge!!! No problem now, of course; they all moved on.
You're so punny! ;)
Punny I may be, but I can proudly report that all but maybe 6 lilies are in the ground. The last batch are unlabeled -- well, they were labeled but I got the labels mixed up. It is just starting to rain, and I'm diverting from the lilies to get some caladium in I am also late on. Sigh.
Keep hammering away ~ you'll get there.
Yesterday I complained because it started to rain -- but then it didn't rain much at all. So now I'm complaining that it didn't raining and I'm going to have to water all those newly planted lilies. If it's not one thing, it's another!