This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
lilies growth differences
robert shaw2
Posts: 13
ok, its my first year growing lilies, ive planted about 100, and ive alot to learn...
i was wondering why lilies in planters were twice the size of lilies in the ground? same variety, take 'night flyer' for eg, about half are in pots and they are around 18" high with buds just showing. i think they might attain a height of around 2 foot.
meanwhile the other half were planted in the ground, with some organic matter (as was recommended) and sharp sand. these are only half the size at best, some are much smaller and 2 havnt even emerged! they are all planted at the same recommended depth...
why is there such a difference? will the ones in the ground 'catch up' next year? or should i dig them up in autumn and replace them in better soil?
0
Posts
It's probably down to soil temperature, Robert. Soil in pots warms up much more quickly than the ground, so the potted lilies get a head start. Those in the ground will likely flower slightly later, so it will effectively extend the period when you can enjoy them!
i considered soil temp too... but ive some of the same speciese that are both in bud, only the ones in the pots are twice the size...
im happy to have a sequencial flowering to spread the season.