Gladioli and Asiatic Lily bulbs - Advice please

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Bashy, Mar 17, 2008.

  1. Bashy

    Bashy Gardener

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    Hi,

    I have some glad and asiatic lily bulbs and was wondering what was the best time to plant them?
    It says on the packets 'plant in spring'
    Is it more beneficial to plant the bulbs in pots and start them off indoors, or can I plant them outside now for spring/summer flowering.
    Basically, will they survive the frosts if I plant them out now?
    Would it make much of a difference if started indoors?
    I'm running out of space here!
    If to be started off indoors, do I do it the same method as Begonia's. i.e surface planted until sprouts, then covered with damp soil!

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] I plant my Glads' about 4" deep along the back of the border when the risk of frost has pretty much gone, so I think I usually put them in around mid April.. Then lift in the autumn before frosts.. They have never done particularly well in pots for me.. [​IMG]

    [​IMG] My Asiatic Lilies I plant in pots & then over winter the pots in the green house. They like a nice big pot as they create allot of roots. I put about 6 to a pot (I use large clay planters as they stay in them) about 10" deep.. I use Multi Purpose with crocks in the bottom for free drainage. Lilies do not like to sit with their feet wet. Mine are in the cold green house now, just waking up. I just refresh the soil on top of the pot each year & feed well for a good show... [​IMG]

    I hope this is helpful & good luck.. ;)
     
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Got given some very dodgy looking lily bulbs yesterday. They were very dry & soft, but I have potted them up. Will just have to wait & see now. Planted any of yours yet Bashy??
     
  4. Tropical Oasis

    Tropical Oasis Gardener

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    I've always left lily bulbs in all year and every year up they come! they're not tender. My Mum always leaves here gladiolli in too and they keep comming up.
     
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] My lily pots stay out all winter behind the greenhouse. I like them in pots so I cam move them around.. Although I have beautiful loamy soil my Glads do not over winter in the ground.... :(
     
  6. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Yes Bob, that is about the same as mine look at the moment... [​IMG]
     
  7. Barra

    Barra Gardener

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    I have always planted and left my lily's in the ground over winter and the following year they grow just as good but spread around 20 cm each year just like Phlox paniculata
     
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