Daylily Culture

Daylilies grow best in well drained soil.

Daylilies grow best in a well drained soil high in humus. They do require drainage even though they respond to frequent watering particularly during flower scape formation and flowering.

Daylilies are among the most carefree perennials that gardeners use for summer color. With all the newer varieties you may select types that are dwarf, evergreen, repeat bloomers or flowers that last through the night.

Daylilies come in many colors having hues of yellow, gold, orange, bronze red, lime, red, pink, and bi-colors. Daylilies grow and flower best in a location that receives a few hours of sunlight during the day. Some varieties will not tolerate noon day sun. Plantings underneath pines is excellent. In light shade there may be fewer flowers but they will be of better quality.

Well drained soil best…

Daylilies grow best in a well drained soil high in humus. They do require drainage even though they respond to frequent watering particularly during flower scape formation and flowering.

Best transplanted in August and September…

Daylilies can be divided or planted most any month, however they are best transplanted during August and September because they should be adapted and established before cold weather.

To safely divide a clump of lilies carefully dig the entire clump with soil intact. Take a strong stream of water from a garden hose and rinse away all soil. Clumps are easily divided at this point. Use a sharp knife to cut (back) the foliage about 2/3. Before planting in heavy clay, work the soil to a depth of 12" after adding 3" of compost, peat moss, manure, or finely ground pine bark, plus 1" of coarse sand. Build a small mound of soil in the bottom of each hole. Spread the roots over the mound.

Make certain the plants are set no deeper than they were growing. The white leaf base is a good indication of the correct depth. A safe rule is to set the plant so that the point where the roots and stem adjoin is no deeper than 1". Mulch the planting bed with 2-3 inches of leaves, pine straw, pine bark, or a similar material.

Daylilies grow and flower much better when fertilized in early spring and again when the flower scape or buds are visible. Use 2 pounds of a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12, or 5 10-15 fertilizer per 100 square foot of bed space. This would equal about two tablespoons for a large clump. Be sure to rinse away any fertilizer from foliage and stems.

Water all summer…

Watering throughout the summer and particularly during flowering will give you excellent flowers. Always apply enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 10"-12" deep .

For more information on the culture of daylilies, contact your local county Extension office.