Bulbs

Often you may wonder, "This bulb looks really small. I didn't pay a lot for it, so I'll plant it anyway. Looks kind of dry and whimpy, too."

After a few months...nothing. No bloom, no leaves...nothing. O darn! Another disappointing spring without a new lily.

Here in lies the bottom line. When you buy bulbs, especially of the lilium species (Oriental, Asiatic, Tiger, Orienpet, Trumpet Lilies), be sure they are minimum of 14cm in circumference and healthy! (No brown spots on the scales, and no rotten potions of the scales. It should be firm to the touch...no mush or softness.) That's about the size of a lemon. Here's why: If the bulb is too small, it will rot. There is not enough outer scale protection for the new growth that will emerge from the center of the bulb to protect from 1) excessive soil moisture, 2) severe frost and more. All bulbs, regardless of where you live, should be planted a minimum of four inches deep. The larger mature varieties such as trumpet lilies require six inches depth. This aids in preventing the stem from falling over, protection from freezing, adequate drainage, and just a much stronger/healthier plant. Too often, they are planted just too darn shallow.

Coming soon, "Where to plant those georgeous wonders (lilies: I am still amazed how such a large bloom can come out of a such a small bulb) and container growing daylilies and lilies")

Meanwhile, back at the farm....