Olympic Torch Lily

Upon Arrival:  Plant bulbs as soon as possible, once you have received your shipment. If you cannot plant right away, remove the bulbs from plastic bags and put them on trays with damp peat moss or sawdust in a cool, well-ventilated place until you have a chance to plant them. Do not let the bulbs dry out before planting. Plant outdoors once the conditions are right for your hardiness zone.

Where to Plant:  The most important rule when planting bulbs is to choose an area that is well-drained. Most bulbs will rot or deteriorate quickly where soil is constantly damp. Most bulbs thrive in full sun, or at least 5-6 sunny hours daily. Some bulbs such as fritillaria and wood hyacinths prefer filtered shade.

General Planting Info:  Plant bulbs individually by digging a hole for each bulb with a trowel or bulb planter or place several bulbs on the bottom surface of a larger hole, then cover with soil. As planting depths and spacing varies depending on the type of bulb, refer to the cultural information found later in this guide. Whichever method you use, be sure to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and work in a handful of organic fertilizer such as Veseys Bulb Fertilizer. Then press each bulb firmly into the soil, top pointing up and fill in the hole. When in doubt as to which way is up on a bulb, plant it on its side and let 'Mother Nature' decide! After planting, water the area well to settle the soil and to start the roots growing. If rainfall is sparse, you may need to water the bulbs once a week to help them get established.

Planting Lilies:  The most natural location for lilies is on sloping ground with excellent drainage. Prepare the soil with large amounts of organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. Plant with the roots downward, when in doubt plant on their side. Plant 6" deep (or 3 times the thickness of the bulb) and 9-12” apart, preferably in groups of 3-6. After planting, water well two or three times before freezing. Lilies are most effective when planted in groups of three or more. The tallest varieties belong at the back of the border and may need staking. 

Growing:  All lilies must have excellent drainage. They thrive where they get full sun on their tops but will also adapt to light shade. Plant them among leafy perennials, annuals or ground cover to keep the roots cool in summer. A 2" deep mulch is also helpful. All lilies benefit from extra water during dry spells. Remove spent flowers but do not cut stalks after blooming; wait until the foliage has turned yellow. The foliage of adjacent perennials can camouflage the ripening process.