When can I plant lily bulbs this spring (zone 5)?

Question

I'm in zone 5 west of Chicago, and I have just received an order oflily bulbs. When is the best time to plant them?Thanks.Stephen

John McGaw · Accepted Answer

If it means anything, my oriental lilies are up about a foot high right now. I've always found that any time after the last expected frost is appropriate since it takes some time for the deeply planted bulbs to make their way to the surface.

madgardener · Answer

don't tease the Chicagoan, John.  That's zone 5, growing season is 120 to 180 days long and it has major extremes of cold as well as heat (it's been known to get as hot as 112oF).  I'd say to have them check with their local extension agent thru the agricultural department of the local college, and see when the last frost is and plant them accordingly.  Feet in the shade, heads in the sun.  In other words, east, south or west in the yard. and what kinda lilies, Stephen?  Oriental, trumpets, Asian? Orienpats?  You can plant them as soon as you can get your shovel into the ground to plant them three times the depth of the size that they are.  that's always the rule of thumb with seeds or bulbs, tubers, rhizomes and such (not bearded iris or peony roots, they like it shallow)  but since Stephen is probably in a plains area, I'd say around the end of April, depending on when the last freeze is.....lilies are perennial so they can stand the cold.madgardener whose own lilies are breaking...

Doug Kanter · Answer

Who did you buy the bulbs from?

Pennyaline · Answer

That's a good question. Good companies usually send your bulbs and planting stock at the correct time of year for planting in your zone. If you ordered from a reliable company and they sent the bulbs accordingly, AND your soil is warm and dry/friable enough to be worked, go ahead and plant.

dr-solo · Answer

last freeze is 3rd week in April up here in Milwaukee 90 miles north, near thelake.but it looks like 60+ weather for next 10 days.  Ingrid"madgardener"  wrote:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~List Manager: Puregold Goldfish List at up:  the problem, dont waste energy finding who's to blame~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I receive no compensation for running the Puregold list or Puregold website. I do not run nor receive any money from the ads at the old Puregold site.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Zone 5 next to Lake Michigan

When can I plant lily bulbs this spring (zone 5)?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?