How to Grow Daylilies

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Daylilies (also known as Hemerocallis) are hardy, perennial plants that grow in diverse climates and soils. These plants are available in an assortment of colors and bloom at varying times during summer months depending on the type. For gardeners who prefer low maintenance plants, the daylily is an excellent choice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Daylily bulbs or root systems
  • Hand trowel
  • Hand shovel
  • Compost or manure
  • Water supply
  • Plant fertilizer

Step1
Select a location to plant your daylilies. Most varieties of daylilies require full sun but can tolerate light shade as long as they receive at least six hours of full sunlight every day.
Step2
Before planting, loosen the soil with a hand trowel and hand shovel to allow oxygen into the soil. This will also help with water movement to the roots.
Step3
Mix organic compost or manure and add to the soil to assist in fertilization.
Step4
Dig shallow holes, approximately 16 to 24 inches apart, to plant each daylily. The hole should be large enough to place the bulb or entire root system inside without bending the roots. The top of the bulb, or root system, should be approximately one inch under the surface.
Step5
Water the newly planted lilies to settle the soil and help with germination. Unless you are in an extremely dry climate, regular watering after planting is unnecessary.
Step6
Fertilize the plants two to three weeks after planting. Fertilization for daylilies is typically performed once in early spring and, if preferred, again in late summer.
Step7
Weed the area around the plants regularly to keep the plant healthy. If weeds invade the plant's space, root division and transplanting becomes difficult without including the weeds.
Step8
Groom the plants to remove dead blooms and leaves if you prefer a manicured appearance. In the late autumn, trim the remaining dead leaves and place mulch on top of the root system to seal the remaining roots from cold winter temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

  • Select well-drained locations for planting daylilies. If necessary, create a raised bed with mulch to support drainage. Consider planting daylilies away from trees and shrubs to ensure less competition for water and soil nutrients.
  • Flowering may not occur in the year of planting or transplanting. If adequate sun and water are available, flowering should occur the following year. Fertilizing once or twice yearly will help with flowering.
  • Pest control is generally unnecessary, with the exception of occasional aphids. Apply non-toxic plant soap as needed to rid the plant of pests.
  • Divide daylilies every few years when the plants become crowded. Division assists in regeneration of healthy plants. The best time of year to divide your plants is late summer or early fall after blooming is complete.

Comments

| View All Comments

showpup said

Flag This Comment

on 12/4/2007 I have an article which shares a wonderful 'recipe' to use as a fertilizer to nearly guarantee more daylily blooms.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2138564_new-daylily-divisions-bloom-well.html

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Grow Daylilies

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.