Planting Daylily Bulbs
Planting daylily bulbs is a great idea if you want to add that special something to your garden. Quite possibly one of the most gorgeous of all flowers, daylilies add an exotic touch to any garden setting, coming in a wide variety of different shapes and colors. Often considered the most reliable of lilies because its success rate is so high, daylilies can thrive in most areas of the United States. Its hardiness zones include 3 all the way through 9.The first thing you must decide before plant daylilies is how you want to grow them. Do you want to grow from seeds or are you wondering if planting daylily bulbs would suit your needs better? Either one will work equally well, though seeds take three years to germinate and develop into a flowering plant, while bulbs, if planted in the fall, will arrive the next spring.
Timing is also a concern. Daylilies can be planted at any time of the year when the ground is free of frost; however it is generally recommended that they be planted during either the early spring or fall months. If planted in the fall, it will have two seasons to establish a strong enough root system to withstand the summer heat.
The variety of the daylily will decide what location suits it best. Pastel pink and red daylilies should be planted in partial shade. They are the only two colors that are susceptible to damage if planted in full sun. Other varieties can grow in either shaded or full sun areas. However, the amount of sun a daylily receives is directly related with the number of blooms it will produce.
The bulbs should be planted deep enough so that three inches of soil is covering the blue line just above the roots. This depth generally equates to 6 to 8 inches deep. Daylilies are tolerant of many soils, though the relationship between soil and its performance is similar to its relationship with sun. The better the soil you provide a daylily, the better it will perform, providing more frequent and fuller blooms. Regardless of the soil quality, it must drain well. Standing water will cause severe damage to the plant's roots. Water frequently if the soil drains and dries fairly quickly. If it does not, only water when the soil begins to lose its moisture.
If you live in an area that receives very little rain, mulching around plants can help to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching will also prevent the growing of weeds that try and compete with your plants for water and nutrients. If mulching, do not place too close to the base of the plant, as it will cause the plants stem to weaken, making it susceptible to root rot.
Daylilies generally don't suffer from pest infestations; however a new, rust-like disease has started to attack flowers of this kind. To help prevent it from affecting your plants, keep the area around daylilies clean and open, with decent air circulation. Remove any dead or decaying leaves, as these types of environments foster bacteria and could encourage the spread of plant diseases.
