How do I divide my lilies in pots please?

Last year I got some free lily bulbs (from Gardeners World mag in case anyone has the same) and planted them in some terracotta pots. They've multiplied like crazy, how do I go about splitting the pots? I've accidentally dropped one too so just leaving that for another year isn't an option. Do I try and separate all the bulblets, and do I need to plant any new tiny ones as deep as the originals? Or do I just split the lot into maybe 3 pieces but keep these clumps together? Also what should I do with the pots over winter? Stick them in the growhouse or keep them outside? Many thanks

 

The bulbs themselves will eventually split (I think, I might be wrong on that though!). If so you can split those off.

The "scales" of the main bulb may form a little bulblette which can be planted. That will take years before it flowers. I think planting at a depth equivalent to twice its max diameter should be about right. On that basis it will need to get deeper as it gets bigger - once it is at / close-to flowering size then plant at the correct depth.

I think the bulblettes can also form on the stem.

Lastly, the scales can be broken off and "planted" in a seed tray or similar, which should encourage it to make bulblettes ... but that will take ages before they mature.

 

Thanks Kristen, there are definitely bulblets growing on the stem (near the surface of the soil), and there were quite a few new stems which flowered this year but I guess they must have been new sprouts from the original bulbs? There were the original thick stems and then loads and loads of smaller ones, some with flowers. Based on how many flowers they had this year I think I'd have to really mess it up to kill it off so I think I just need to get in there and get on with it!

 

I have loads of lilies in the ground and in pots I always split a few pots every year just empty the pot split the bulbs carefully and store them in dry place you will find bulbels on these as well
For good value the poundland rage of shops have been selling lilies for £1 for 7 this year worth a look Ithink :thumb: