How to Grow Hemerocallis (Daylily)? Planting Methods and Care Tips

Hemerocallis, whose scientific name is Hemerocallis fulva, is also a close relative of the familiar daylily. The ancients called it "forget-sorrow" because its flowers are bright and it is easy to grow and keep alive. Whether planted in the ground in a courtyard or in a pot on a balcony, as long as you master a few basic points, even beginners can grow it so that it blooms every year.

Before Planting: Choose a Good Spot and Mix Good Soil

Hemerocallis likes a sunny environment. The more light it gets, the more it blooms. Although it tolerates slight shade, long-term shade easily leads to only leaves growing and no flowers. As for soil, it is not fussy, but loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam is best. Never plant it in low-lying, waterlogged spots, because its fleshy roots rot easily when soaked in water. Before ground planting, deeply dig the soil and apply decomposed organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer; for pot planting, it is recommended to choose a slightly larger and deeper flower pot and use a mix of garden soil, leaf mold, and a small amount of river sand. The best planting time is before sprouting in spring or after flowering in autumn, when the temperature is mild and the survival rate is highest.

Propagation and Daily Care

For home growing, division propagation is most commonly used: dig up an old clump that has grown for several years and is growing vigorously, shake off the soil, divide it along the natural gaps into small clumps with buds and roots, keep two or three buds per clump, replant them, and water thoroughly. Generally, flowers can be seen in the same year or the next year. For daily care, remember the "three looks": first, look at watering, water when dry and let it dry between waterings, preferring dry over waterlogged, and pay attention to drainage during the rainy season; second, look at fertilizing, apply one topdressing of decomposed dilute fertilizer water each time in spring when it turns green and before budding, and apply one more fertilizer after flowering to nourish the roots; third, look at pruning, promptly cut off spent flowers and dead leaves, and before winter, after the aboveground parts wither, cut them off level with the soil, and new shoots will naturally sprout in spring the next year. In cold northern regions, straw or fallen leaves can be spread over the roots in winter for cold protection.

Pest and Disease Control and Edible Reminder

Hemerocallis has strong resistance. Common diseases include rust and leaf spot. In rainy and humid seasons, pay attention to ventilation and reducing humidity, promptly remove diseased leaves, and spray the corresponding fungicide; pests are mainly aphids and red spider mites. When there are few, washing with water or cutting off the affected parts is enough, and when severe, use pesticides for control. Special reminder: if you are growing an edible daylily variety, the fresh buds contain colchicine, and eating them raw can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort. They must first be steamed and blanched, then dried in the sun, or thoroughly heated and eaten in small amounts; ornamental Hemerocallis varieties are not recommended for eating. In addition, Hemerocallis can grow for many years after one planting. Dividing it once every three or four years can both renew and rejuvenate it and turn one clump into many clumps, so the more you grow, the more you have.