When to plant lilies
hardy bulb (summer-flowering)
The short answer
Early fall is the usual time to plant lily bulbs, any time before the ground freezes. Iowa State, Missouri and Illinois say fall; Wisconsin and Iowa State also allow early spring.
What extension services say
- Early fall is an excellent time to plant garden lilies. Plant bulbs at a depth equal to three times their diameter, typically 6-8 inches deep, and mulch fall-planted bulbs with several inches of straw or pine needles for the first winter. Iowa State University Extension ↗
- Bulbs can also be planted in early spring; be careful not to break the young growing point. Iowa State University Extension ↗
- Lilies may be planted in fall any time before the ground freezes. The exception is the Madonna lily, planted in late summer or very early fall so it can grow tops before cold weather. University of Missouri Extension ↗
- Dig the hole 2-3 times deeper than the height of the bulb (generally 6-8 inches), pointed end up, and space bulbs 8-12 inches apart; loosen the soil 12-15 inches deep first. University of Missouri Extension ↗
- Illinois: lily bulbs are typically offered for fall planting; a recommended depth is 6 to 8 inches, with plants at least one foot apart. University of Illinois Extension ↗
- Wisconsin: plant bulbs in early spring or fall, or potted plants any time during the growing season. University of Wisconsin Extension ↗
- Colorado's bulb chart says lilies normally are planted in the spring, while all other bulbs on the chart go in during the fall. Colorado State University Extension ↗
Sources disagree: Iowa, Missouri and Illinois lead with fall; Colorado says spring; Wisconsin allows both.
Questions gardeners ask
When is the best time to plant lilies?
Early fall, any time before the ground freezes (Iowa State and Missouri Extension). Iowa State and Wisconsin also accept early spring.
How deep do you plant lily bulbs?
6-8 inches deep, or about three times the bulb's diameter, with 8-12 inches between bulbs (Iowa State, Missouri).
Do lilies need sun?
Nearly all lilies grow best in full sun, at least six hours a day; Martagon (Turk's cap) lilies prefer partial shade (Iowa State).
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension: Growing Lilies in Iowa
- University of Missouri Extension: Plant true lilies in fall for striking spring color
- University of Illinois Extension: Plant of the Week: Asiatic Lilies
- University of Wisconsin Extension: 'Stargazer' Lily
- Colorado State University Extension: Fall-Planted Bulbs and Corms
Extension advice is local to the state that wrote it. Where the sources differ, both are shown. Dates in the tables are estimates from typical frost dates; your garden’s own last frost can differ by a week or more. How we source data.