Hello,
I couldn't resist buying more bargain lily bulbs at Spring Hill Nursery's catalog surplus sale last night. The event was definitely not for the faint-hearted. Had to park blocks away and too crowded to manuever a cart through the madness, so arms will need days to recuperate from trying to carry too much, I'm afraid. I just don't have the good sense to know when to stop - all these bargains for $1 a piece.
I have had luck in the past with planting these bargains in June, but after reading about lilies on here today, it seems it is way past the recommended planting time. (Sshhhh - don't tell my new little lilies!!!)
Would there be any advantage to planting them in pots for now and then plant in the ground in the fall or should I go ahead and plant them in the ground now?
By the way, they are asiatic lilies and what they call American Dream, Lily Tree - I can post the actual names when I get home from work).
Thanks!
This message was edited Jun 20, 2008 2:33 PM
Planting lily bulbs now - put in ground or in pots?
I think they should be ok either way. They're likely to be pretty stunted, but lilies often are the first year anyway. What fun mayhem! Great score!
I got lilum candidum shipped to me in April (oh yes, they are supposed to be planted in fall). They were stunted, since they were attempting to bloom in the tight little bags they were in. They were bent over double. Talk about manhandling! But I put them in the ground and they not only survived, but I can see that they are trying to be the tinies little blooming madonna lilies you've ever seen!
Given that experience (madonna lilies are fragile) and asiatics are tough, I agree with Gemini Sage. You can go either way but I think I'd put those puppies in the ground.
Donna
You can go either way, but for the coolest temps surrrounding the bulbs, I'd opt for the ground with a decent amount of mulch to reduce temperature flucuations and to maintain moisture. Pots can get rather hot and if you forget to water... can stress the bulbs which are already stressed.
What a score is right! Congrats on the new babies at your home.
Thanks for the advice! Though my arms are still so sore, I'm going to get busy planting in the ground. This picture is the inspiration for making such a strenuous shopping adventure... it's like the "lily tree" (I read an article scolding the growers for calling it that instead of the real name). I thought it was called American something and thought that was what I was getting more of, but was pleasantly surprised to find the new one will be pink and white.
I was stunned when the one pictured bloomed - I had no idea that it would get so gigantic.
I think the main goal is just to get them to establish themselves this summer and then look for blooms next year.
Thanks again for the helpful advice!
Congratulations. That's an orienpet from the America series. You paid a dollar for it? Good call! Look at the resemblance.
http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_70272
Donna
I'm salivating at the thought of going to a sale like that! Actually being there and seeing them, I would have been frantic to hold as many as possible! I can feel the pain in your arms, I've been in the same circumstance at sales before. I probably would have emptied my checking account and not known where to put a single one!
Congratulations!
I'm still planting lily bulbs. Hopefully the last will get in the ground today. If any of you arn't afraid to plant this late and do eBay, I've recieved some from a couple different eBay sellers this week that I was very happy with. All the bulbs had shoots starting and some were fairly long, but I think they will do fine. Here are the 2 eBay sellers:
luckybusya and jbf-sales.
Susan
Susan,
I've bought several peonies from luckybusya--she's on my favorites list!