When to Plant Stargazer Lilies
Stargazer lilies were first developed for the cut flower trade by a plant breeder looking for a lily with upward facing blooms rather than the typical downward blooms. Introduced in 1974, growers found stargazer lilies to be hardy and easy to grow. Stargazer lilies eventually found their way into home gardens where they are treasured for their long-lasting blooms and sweet fragrance. Does this Spark an idea?
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When to Plant
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Stargazer lilies bulbs can be planted in the fall or spring. In the fall, plant bulbs six weeks before the first frost date to allow the bulbs time to develop roots before the ground starts to freeze. In the spring, plant as soon as all danger of frost has passed. Bulbs will bloom the same year that they are planted.
Planting in Containers
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Stargazer lilies make wonderful container plants. Plant the bulbs in mid to late-spring for mid-summer blooms. Use a general potting soil and plant bulbs 5 inches deep, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart. Place the container in a spot where it will receive full sun.
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Where to Plant Stargazer Bulbs
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Stargazer bulbs look best when planted in multiples of 3 or 5. These are tall plants and should be located towards the middle or back of perennial beds. Choose a spot with full to part sun in well drained soil. Work compost or well-rotted manure into the planting sites before placing the bulbs. If you are planting a lot of bulbs at the same time, dig a trench rather than individual holes.
How to Plant Bulbs
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All bulbs have a top where shoots emerge and a bottom where roots form and emerge. Stargazer lily tops are slightly pointed and their bottoms are slightly flattened. If you are not sure which end should go up (tops) place the bulbs on their side. Plant bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and space 6 to 10 inches apart.
Caring for Bulbs
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Stargazer lilies should be fertilized with a 4-8-4 commercial fertilizer or a fertilizer formulated for bulbs as soon as the shoots emerge. Fertilize again when buds form. The lilies will bloom for 2 to 4 weeks in midsummer. As soon as the blooms fade remove them so the plant will not set seeds. Allow the foliage to yellow and start to die back before cutting the stems to the ground.
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