Daylily planting instructions and care

Grateful Heart

Planting:

            Daylilies like well-drained soil, with lots of organic matter if possible. They prefer soil, which is slightly acidic (6.0 – 7.0 ph). Dig a shallow hole wide enough for the roots to spread. We add a long-term fertilizer to the planting hole. Make a mound in the middle of the soil, placing the crown at the top. Make sure that the crown is slightly above the soil. Fill in over the roots. If possible mulch around the daylily, being sure not to have the mulch actually touch the crown. Water well for at least the first two weeks, then water as needed.

You should plant daylilies between 18″ – 30″ apart depending on the cultivar. You can plant them most of the year, but you should not during the burning heat of July and August. Plant in full sun, they can have some afternoon shade. Make sure they receive at least 4 hours of morning sun for good blooming.

Care:

            Daylilies really need only minimal care. In the fall give them a light application of an all-purpose, long-lasting fertilizer. For the dormant types of daylilies, cut off their dead (brown) leaves with cutters or shears in late fall or early winter.  Continue watering through the winter on an as need basis. Daylilies do not like to be kept soggy. In the spring, fertilize again with an all-purpose, long-term fertilizer. Water is important in the spring to get the best blooms, but remember not to keep them soggy. You can also add a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks if you want, but it isn’t a requirement. Do not fertilize in the summer.

          If you want your daylilies to continue blooming, remember to cut off the flower stalks (scapes) after they have finished blooming. You can also remove spent flower heads periodically if you want. Daylilies are great in flower arrangements, alone or with other flowers.

          Daylilies are a plant, which likes to be divided at least every 3 – 5 years. Simply dig the daylily up. Shake off the excess dirt; you can also hose it off with water. Working from the bottom of the plant, pull the daylily apart. Try to keep at least 2 – 3 fans together at a time. You should be able to get a number of plants from the original one. If you have extra daylilies, they are a welcome gift to give to friends or other gardeners.