How to Plant Daylilies

Plant daylily fans in spring or fall with the crown 2 inches below the soil, 8–12 inches apart, in at least six hours of sun.

How to Plant Daylilies
When to plant
Spring once hard frost has passed, or early fall at least six weeks before your first hard freeze. Plant as soon as your fans arrive
Depth
Crown, where the roots meet the foliage, 2 inches below the soil surface
Spacing
8–12 inches apart
Sun
At least 6 hours of direct sun
Water
A deep soak once or twice a week in warm, dry weather
Soil
Well-drained and reasonably fertile; daylilies tolerate a wide pH range

Step by step

  1. Unpack your fans on arrival and plant them the same day if you can, or heel them into damp soil until you are ready.
  2. Choose a spot with at least six hours of sun and soil that drains; daylilies will not sit in standing water.
  3. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out, with a small mound of soil in the center to set the fan on.
  4. Set each fan so the crown, where the roots meet the leaves, sits 2 inches below the surface.
  5. Work soil in around and between the roots so no air pockets are left, then firm it down.
  6. Water deeply to settle the soil, and keep the new planting evenly moist for the first few weeks.
  7. Space fans 8–12 inches apart.

After bloom

Flowers last one day; pinch off spent ones as you pass. Cut each finished scape to within a few inches of the ground. Keep watering after bloom to build next year's flowers. Pull yellowing leaves through late summer; clear dead foliage and debris in spring. Divide crowded clumps every 3–5 years, in early fall at least six weeks before a hard freeze or in early spring, and replant at the same depth.
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