Lily Seeds

Lilies are a perfect addition to any garden. With their colorful, star-shaped flowers, they add elegance and fragrance to any space. They are perennials that require minimal care if planted in the right place. Most lilies do well in containers and look spectacular in a vase. True lilies belong to the genus Lilium and grow from plump, scaly bulbs. There are a number of popular lily species, including Orientals, Asiatics, Orienpets, and Species types. With 8,000 or so varieties, lilies parade an endless range of colors, shapes, heights, and bewitching scents 

Lilies are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be planted in sun or partial shade, with 15cm (6in) of soil above them in rich, fertile but well-drained conditions . They prefer a well-drained soil high in organic matter with an acidic pH . Lilies are happiest when their heads are in the sun and their roots are in the shade, so a thick layer of mulch is helpful .

To create a sequence of Lily blooms in your garden, remember that Asiatics generally flower first, followed by Orienpets and then Oriental varieties. Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom (usually in May or June), right after peonies. They are also the easiest to grow, as long as they are planted in well-draining soil, not waterlogged. They are the shortest type of lily (about 2 to 3 feet tall) and come in many colors, from pastel to tropical. Hybrids come in pure white, pinks, vivid yellows, oranges, and reds; heights are from one to six feet. Intense breeding has erased much of the Asiatics’ fragrance, but despite their lack of perfume, they are a favorite with floral arrangers. Oriental lilies have that famously intoxicating fragrance. They are tall and stately (4 feet), and tend to grow more slowly. Oriental hybrids bloom in mid- to late summer, just when Asiatic lilies are beginning to fade. Orientals are always a striking choice, producing masses of huge white, pink, red, or bi-color blooms. They make wonderful cut flowers that will fill even the largest of rooms with their spicy scents .