How to Separate Lily Bulbs

Lilies are among the most versatile and beautiful flowers that you can add to your garden. To make sure that the plants stay healthy and strong you need to dig and separate lily bulbs every three to five years. It's simple to do and will ensure that your lilies put on a colorful show every spring and summer for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Garden fork
• Garden hose
• Potting soil
• Compost

Instructions

1. Dig around the base of the lily plant using a garden fork. Remove the dirt a little at a time to prevent accidental damage to the bulb. You will probably find that the bulb is buried deeper than expected, as lilies often pull themselves farther into the ground to find nutrients.

2. Pull the bulbs carefully from the ground and remove any large clumps of dirt. If there is a lot of dirt remaining, rinse the bulbs with a garden hose so that you will be able to see the small bulblets more easily.

3. Separate the large bulbs by twisting them, then carefully pull them apart. Hold the large part of the bulb firmly so that the roots will separate instead of causing damage to the bulb itself. Gently remove the small bulblets from the larger bulb and set aside.

4. Remove any old growth from the tops of remaining bulbs. Avoid pulling the stems, instead use the same twisting motion that was used to separate the larger lily bulbs. The roots that you see on the stem above the bulb should be left in place, these are known as "stem roots" and help to hold the plant in the ground as well as take in nutrients during the spring and summer .

5. Replant the larger bulbs approximately four to six inches deep and the bulblets one to two inches deep. Cover with a combination of potting soil and compost and water thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine the bulbs before planting and dispose of any that appear to be rotting or damaged. It is best to divide lily bulbs in early fall just after the foliage has changed colors. It will take approximately two to three years before the first blooms appear from bulblets.

• Do not use a shovel or spade to dig lily bulbs. The bulbs are tender and very easy to damage. Do not allow the bulbs to dry out. If you can't replant them immediately ,wrap the roots in paper or peat moss and keep them damp until planted.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension
• North Star Lily Society
• Plant Biology.com