How Do Lilies Reproduce? A Detailed Guide to Several Propagation Methods

There are many types of lilies. When propagating, appropriate measures can be taken according to the different types. The following methods are common:

Sowing method: The seeds are sown immediately after collection, or they can be sown again in the spring of the following year. During the seedling stage, shading is necessary, and water and fertilizer management should be strengthened. By autumn, small bulbs can form. The flowering time varies depending on the lily species; for example, Lilium longiflorum (Easter lily) can bloom in one year.

Dividing and planting small bulbs: The mother plant forms small bulbs on the underground stem nodes, and sometimes small bulbs can also form at the base of the mother bulb. In autumn, separate them from the mother bulb and plant them separately or store them in sand until the following spring before planting. When planting, it is best to plant deeply. They generally sprout after 20 days and bloom in 1 to 3 years.

Dividing bulbils: This method is only suitable for Lilium lancifolium (tiger lily) and Lilium sulphureum, which have bulbils. In summer and autumn, collect the mature bulbils and sow them individually. Small bulbs can form in the same year, sprout and emerge from the soil in the following spring, and then be dug up and replanted separately in autumn. Most can bloom after 3 years.