Summary
- Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the original pot, allowing room for the bulb to grow.
- Place the bulb in the new pot, ensuring the top of the bulb is level with the soil surface.
- While replanting Easter lilies is a great way to enjoy their beauty for years to come, remember that they are not the only type of lilies that can be grown.
Easter lilies, with their elegant white trumpets and intoxicating fragrance, are a cherished symbol of spring. But what happens after the blooms fade? Can you bring these beauties back to life year after year? The answer is a resounding yes! Learning how to replant Easter lily bulbs is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to enjoy their splendor for seasons to come.
Understanding the Basics of Easter Lily Bulbs
Easter lilies are actually hybrid lilies, specifically *Lilium longiflorum*, known for their long, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are typically sold as potted plants during the Easter season. While they are often considered a temporary addition to your home, with proper care, they can be replanted and enjoyed for years.
When to Replant Easter Lily Bulbs
The best time to replant Easter lily bulbs is after the flowering season has ended. This is usually in late spring or early summer.
Preparing for Replanting
Before you start, gather your supplies:
- New Pot: Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the original pot, allowing room for the bulb to grow. The pot should have drainage holes.
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for bulbs.
- Garden Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and potential irritants.
- Sharp Knife or Scissors: For trimming the foliage.
- Optional: Bulb Starter Solution: These solutions can encourage stronger root development.
Replanting Your Easter Lily Bulbs: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cut Back the Foliage: After the flowers fade, cut back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the soil. This will help direct energy to the bulb for growth.
2. Prepare the New Pot: Fill the new pot with potting mix, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top.
3. Remove the Bulb: Carefully remove the lily bulb from its original pot. Gently loosen any soil clinging to the bulb.
4. Inspect the Bulb: Look for any signs of rot or disease. If you see any, cut away the affected areas with a sharp knife or scissors.
5. Replant the Bulb: Place the bulb in the new pot, ensuring the top of the bulb is level with the soil surface.
6. Water Thoroughly: Water the bulb thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain through the drainage holes.
7. Choose a Location: Place the potted lily in a sunny location, receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
8. Fertilize: Once the lily starts to grow, you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Aftercare and Maintenance
- Watering: Water your replanted Easter lily regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Sunlight: Ensure the lily receives adequate sunlight (6 hours or more).
- Fertilization: Fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
- Dormancy: Once the leaves start to turn yellow in the fall, reduce watering and allow the lily to go dormant. Store the pot in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Bringing Your Easter Lilies Back to Life
Replanting Easter lily bulbs is a rewarding experience. While you might not see blooms immediately, with proper care, you can expect to see new growth the following spring. With each passing season, your lilies will grow larger and stronger, filling your home with their beautiful fragrance.
A Final Note: Beyond Replanting
While replanting Easter lilies is a great way to enjoy their beauty for years to come, remember that they are not the only type of lilies that can be grown. There are many other varieties of lilies, each with its own unique characteristics and blooming season. Exploring different types of lilies can add variety and color to your garden.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I replant Easter lily bulbs outdoors?
A: Yes, you can replant Easter lily bulbs outdoors in a well-drained location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, it’s important to note that they may not bloom as readily outdoors as they do indoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize my replanted Easter lily bulb?
A: You can fertilize your replanted Easter lily bulb every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for bulbs.
Q: What are some common problems I might encounter when replanting Easter lily bulbs?
A: Some common problems include bulb rot, disease, and pests. Inspect the bulb for rot before replanting, and be mindful of potential pests in your garden.
Q: Why aren’t my replanted Easter lily bulbs blooming?
A: There are several reasons why your replanted Easter lily bulbs might not bloom. They may need more time to establish themselves, they may not be receiving enough sunlight, or they may not be getting the proper nutrients. Check the growing conditions and adjust as needed.
Q: Can I divide my Easter lily bulbs?
A: Yes, you can divide your Easter lily bulbs to create new plants. This is best done in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. Carefully separate the bulbs and replant them in new pots or in the garden.
