You may find purchasing lily bulbs unchallenging, however, this is far from the truth, especially as you analyse the multiple offerings at different stores and the deeper you delve into the multiple listings of spam lily bulbs on the internet. Many of these products come differentiated through the use of various Latin terms, as if this is inevitably going to raise the cost of the bulbs. Well, sometimes yes, sometimes no. To find the accurate answer without wasting your time and to prevent a season of speculation, lets differentiate some of these products.
Let’s start with the different types of Lilies
There are also many different types of lily bulbs for sale, and these recognised groups show some diversity in purchasing these products.
The most common of this group is the Asian hybrid lily. They’re very non-descript, extreme flowers of every color arriving in the marketplace every year without fail. They’re tough and durable, meaning a less fragrant flower, but a flower of a high visual standard.
The most extreme of this group is the Oriental lily. Their only downfall is they flower a little later than the Asian variety. Their flowers are also considerably larger and much more potent in terms of fragrance. They are more picky with the domestic environment and require loose, acidic soils with a lesser concentration of clay in the mixture. Often, they are well worth the efforts gone through.
Also in common in the lily group, are the trumpet lilies. They have very high vertical requirements. They are very tall. They also boast a very strong fragrance. They are more tolerant than the Orientals with the soil and also come with a very strong scale of participation. They are one of the more rewarding pops in the garden if you have the space.
Orienpets, LA hybrids, and Lilium martagon are just a few examples of the other kinds of lilies. Every type of lily has its distinct characteristics, but Asiatics and Orientals are the most practical options for almost any garden.
Things to Consider About the Bulbs
Quality is of utmost importance when purchasing lily bulbs for sale. Health is very important: a lily bulb should feel firm and intact. Avoid bulbs that are damaged, moldy, or soft.
Size plays a big role as well. The better a first-year flowering bulb is, the bigger it will be. Bulbs have grades based on circumference. A larger bulb in the same conditions is a better choice. For example, in the same conditions a 14/16 bulb will outperform a 10/12. To buy a bargain bag with no clear grading system is a huge gamble, unfortunately.
Purchases Based on the Time of Year
Purchases for all lily bulbs for sale can be made in the spring or fall, but it is a better idea to buy in the fall. An autumn planting from September to November allows the bulbs to root before winter. If spring planting is the route for you, you’ll likely have to wait for the temperatures to rise.
If you’ve bought early for a season and for some reason you can’t plant them right away, find the bulbs a cool and dry place. The bulbs will deteriorate faster than you’d think in a warm place, like a heated kitchen or warm shed.
Soil, Depth, and Position
Drainage is a top priority for all soil types, even for the water-loving lilies. They don’t like waterlogged soil. Lilies are not reliable to tolerate droughts. Consider using raised beds because the soil is heavy, and so humid. When planting the bulbs, soil and depth matter. Sandy soil goes shallower, clay goes deeper, and no soil goes three times the height of the bulb.
Lilies prefer sun with partial shade as a second choice. More sun equals more flowers.
Getting Real Value From What You Buy
The best found lily bulbs for sale are not the cheapest, and certainly not the most expensive. Suppliers in the middle of the price range are best found with more descriptive varieties. Consider the grading info and specifics. Reviews are the best source of knowledge. Return policies are also extremely useful. When using the bulbs in person, don’t feel the need to handle the bulb.
Lilies are perennial so planting one time is all you need. Buy the good bulbs that are reliable and Plant them right. For years the same bulb can grow and reflower every year. You are right in saying that spending five more years is better than spending one year for a more expensive bulb that doesn’t grow back. The operative word here is reliable.
Having knowledge is of course important, and you will not be disappointed.