Plant lily bulbs in fall or early spring with 4–6 inches of soil over the top, 8–10 inches apart, in sun and very well-drained soil. They bloom the first summer.
When to plant
Fall is best. Early spring also works, as soon as the ground can be worked
Depth
4–6 inches of soil over the top of the bulb; 3–4 inches over small bulbs
Spacing
8–10 inches apart
Sun
At least 6 hours of direct sun; Oriental lilies like some afternoon shade in hot climates
Water
About 1 inch per week, more during active growth
Soil
Very well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0), rich in organic matter
Step by step
Choose a spot where the flowers and leaves get sun but the roots stay shaded and cool, for example among lower perennials.
Drainage matters more than anything else for lilies. If your soil stays wet, plant on a slope or in a raised bed.
Dig each hole deep enough to cover the bulb with 4–6 inches of soil, or 3–4 inches for small bulbs, about three times as deep as the bulb is tall.
Set the bulb with the pointed tip up, 8–10 inches from its neighbors, and backfill.
Water right away, even if it is raining, so damp soil settles around every root.
Mark each bulb with a label so you don't step on or dig into the brittle new shoots in spring.
Once shoots appear, spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to keep the roots cool.
After bloom
Snap off faded flowers, but leave as much stem and leaf as you can; they feed next year's bulb. If you cut for a vase, leave at least half to two-thirds of the stem. Feed in spring as shoots come up, and stop about six weeks after bloom ends. Cut stems down once they yellow in fall. Divide crowded clumps at the end of the season, once the stems have died back.
