How to Plant Ismene Fall Bulbs

Ismene fall, or Spider Lily, bulbs produce summer blooms that are six to eight inches across. The spidery or star shape gives the flowers an exotic appearance. Flowers range from white to pink and the flower stalks grow up to two feet. The Ismene bulb is a tender bulb that requires protection during the winter months. It thrives in zones four through seven and is hardy to 30 degrees Farenheit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Select a place in your garden to plant your Ismene fall bulbs. The space needs to drain well and that get plenty of sun.

2. Mix organic matter such as peat or manure into the top 12 to 18 inches of the soil to supply some acidity to the planting site.

3. Mix some bone meal into the planting soil to help the bulbs with root development.

4. Dig holes approximately 10 to 12 inches apart and four inches deep for best planting.

5. Plant one Ismene bulb vertically in each hole with the crown of the bulb slightly protruding from the ground. Generally the crown is the pointy end of the bulb. The crown needs to be left exposed and not covered with soil.

6. Water the area and keep the soil moist through the fall bulb's growing season.

7. Leave the last of the Ismene bulb's foliage on the plant after flowering is finished. This allows the plant to continue to collect energy from the sun. The fall bulbs use this energy in next year's blooming.

8. Remove the Ismene bulbs from the soil after the last foliage turns yellow and before the first frost.

9. Remove the yellow foliage from the Ismene bulbs.

10. Allow the bulbs to air dry for several days so the bulbs do not rot during storage.

11. Store the Ismene bulbs in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant the Ismeme fall bulbs in the spring after the last frost.