Easter Lily

Easter lilies, Lilium longiflorum, are one of the most popular species of the lily family. They grow to about 3 feet tall. They have very fragrant white blooms that are 6-7 inches long and trumpet-shaped.

To Gro Indoors:

Easter lilies require plenty of space and cold nights. In the fall the bulbs are planted in pots, covered with 1-2 inches of compost, kept cold (35-40 F), dark, and moist for 4-6 weeks, and then moved to a warmer (55-60 F) and sunnier spot as growth appears. The compost should be kept moist, but not saturated, at all times during the growing season. After blooming, reduce watering as leaves turn yellow and stems die down. Keep the compost just moist and repot the bulb in autumn. Then, repeat the process of the necessary cold dormancy period as described above.

To Grow Outdoors:

Easter lilies can be planted outside after the danger of frost in the spring. Plant it in a sunny to partly sunny location in moist compost with good drainage. When planted outside, the normal bloom time would be midsummer. They benefit from a light ground cover to shade the roots and protect young shoots emerging in the early spring. Once the lilies are established in the garden, do not move them until clumps become too thick. To divide, dig up clumps very gently, separate, and plant excess bulbs elsewhere immediately so that they do not dry out.

Warning: Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats. Place in an area where cats cannot ingest the plants