Don't Throw Those Easter Lilies Out!

Easter lilies are really hardy perennials, so don’t throw them out after the holiday, replant them in your garden instead. 

Prolonging Indoor Bloom

To prolong bloom time indoors, be sure to pinch off the yellow anthers as soon as the flowers open.  This prevents pollination (un-pollinated flowers last longer), and keeps the flowers white.  Daytime temperatures in the 70’s and nighttime temperatures in the 40’s will also prolong bloom time.  Warmer temperatures negatively impact bloom time.

Preparing for Outdoor Bloom

If grown indoors as a houseplant, it’s difficult to get an Easter lily to re-bloom, but if planted outdoors, they readily re-bloom each year.  To prepare for planting outdoors (once your Easter lilies flowers have faded) remove all of the plant’s flowers.  This forces the plant to enlarge the bulb rather than producing flower seed.   Then, keep it in bright, indirect light until nighttime temperatures stay above 40 degrees outdoors.

Planting Outside

Plant it about 6 inches deep, in a partially-sunny site with well-drained soil.  Cover with several inches of mulch in cold winter areas  for winter protection. Easter lilies planted this way should bloom mid-summer next year.  

I’m going to check the stores to see if there are good deals on Easter lilies once the holiday has passed!