Daylily Planting Tips

Source: The American Hemerocallis Society

When is the right time to plant daylilies? North In the North, spring planting is normally preferred. Fall planting in colder climates can prove fatal for daylilies because they often do not have adequate time to form new roots and to begin to anchor themselves before winter comes. Experienced gardeners, however, can plant in the fall provided they: Know the hardiness of the plants Take some preventative measures such as mulching. Learn the time of the year after which it is not safe to plant in their location. South In the far South, early spring or very late fall are the most desirable planting times. Please be aware that daylilies planted in July, August, or September when temperatures and humidity are extremely high (i.e., over 90¡), face a high probability of rotting. Where is the best place to plant daylilies? You need to consider four things in determining where to plant your daylilies: Sun or Shade Most daylilies do best in full sun. They will tolerate part-shade conditions, but require a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day. Light yellow cultivars, many shades of pink, and delicate pastels need full sun to bring out their lovely colorings. Many red and purple cultivars benefit from partial shade in the hottest part of the day because dark colors absorb heat and do not withstand the sun as well as lighter colors. Type of Soil Any good garden soil is appropriate for growing daylilies. Daylilies will grow, however, in sandy soil or in heavy clay. If you have heavy clay soil, add compost, humus, peat moss, and sand to make it more friable. If you have sandy soil, add compost, humus, and peat moss to lesson its porosity and to increase water retention. Drainage For maximum performance, daylilies should be planted in well-drained soil. One method of achieving adequate drainage in problem areas is to prepare raised beds, 3 to 6 inches above ground level. Compatibility with Other Plants Daylilies do not grow well near broadleaf trees such as maples, poplars, or beeches because the tree roots rob the soil of moisture and nutrients. Daylilies do perform well under pine trees because of the dappled shade and because there is no competition with the pine's deep root system. How do I plant my daylilies? When you receive your new daylilies, use the following technique for planting them. After Plants Are Received New daylily plants, particularly those received through the mail, should be soaked for a few hours or overnight in water or in a weak solution of liquid fertilizer. Before Planting Make sure that your daylilies are clean and healthy before planting them. Prepare the Soil The soil where you intend to plant your daylilies should be worked into a good loose condition to a depth of at least 1 foot. Dig a hole larger than the root mass. Make a mound in the center of the hole. Set the plant in place with the roots spread on all sides of the mound. New plants should be planted about as deep as they grew originally. The original depth can be determined easily by the band of white at the base of the foliage which indicates the part of the plant which was underground. Do not set the crown (i.e., the point where foliage and roots join) more than 1 inch below the surface of the soil. Work the soil around and between the roots as you cover the plant. Firm the soil and water well. Make sure that there are no air pockets; this can cause the plant to grow poorly. When all the water has soaked in, finish filling in the soil, leaving a slight depression around the plant. Spacing Daylilies should be spaced no less than 18 to 24 inches apart on each side. Labeling Label each of your daylilies with some type of permanent marker so as to identify them. A plant loses much of its value when its identification is lost.

Source: The American Hemerocallis Society

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