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Growing Lillies in containers

David 25David 25 Posts: 82
in Plants

Hi,

I have bought some lily bulbs from b&m, there is four smallish bulbs in a pack with what looks like sawdust. The instructions are a bit confusing. It states plant january - may. Should I plant now to get them to flower this year and how do i decide how many to a container? also should i use a general compost with some gravel at the bottom for drainage?

thanks

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Posts

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    Yes -the best method is not to fill the pot completely straight away-an amount of compost in the bottom then cover -then keep topping up as they grow -like earthing up potatoes

    As they are small bulbs-all the same?-put them in a container say 8 inches in diameterimage

  • David 25David 25 Posts: 82

    should they be able to see light. i.e dont cover them completely and do i grow indoors?

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    No -they are hardy-need to grow outsideimage

    Cover the the bulbs as I said and keep topping up the compost as they grow-they can remain in the container for many years-just need to feed occasionally to keep the bulb goingimage

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,052

    I grow all my lillies in pots outside so I can move them into a prominent position when in bloom and tuck them away when they're just foliage.   I have 9 bulbs in one 60cm pot and just 5 in another so I fill thegaps with annuals like lobelia.   I used to have many more but got rid after a bad infestation of lily beetle but I have succumbed again.

    I put a layer of wine corks and grit in the bottom for drainage and then use good quality general purpose compost.   I give occasional liquid feeds of rose or tomato food to help the bulbs produc ebetter flowers each year and also add a handful of pelleted chicken manure to the soil each spring for a general feed.

    You need to keep a regular eye out for red lily beetle as they and their young will devastate lillies in no time.  Squish the adults and remove the slimy globs of larvae with a blast from the hose or a damp cloth.

      

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • David 25David 25 Posts: 82

    thanks. how long left have i got to plant these to make sure they flower this summer?

     

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,052

    Best to do it as soon as poss or they'll dry out and fail.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • David 25David 25 Posts: 82

    i need to get general purpose compost as i have seed sowing compost at the moment whats the difference between them?

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    There is more nourishment in multi-purpose-quite honestly I use it for everything-if you are on a budget there is no point in buying different sorts.image

  • David 25David 25 Posts: 82

    will any do or should i get john innes

  • sotongeoffsotongeoff Posts: 9,802

    John Innes potting compost is soil based-does virtually the same job-go for number3image

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