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Want your garden to pop with color?
Tiger lilies are stunning and easy to grow. With just a little effort, you can have a garden full of these beauties.
Check out these 8 tactics to help your tiger lilies thrive.
Let’s get growing!
Pick the Perfect Spot
First things first, you need to choose the right location for your tiger lilies. These beauties love sunlight, so pick a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Partial shade can work too, but you might not get as many blooms. Also, make sure the soil drains well.
Tiger lilies don’t like soggy roots. Test the area’s drainage by pouring some water and seeing how quickly it soaks in.
If it drains away quickly, you’re good to go!
Prepare the Soil
Next up is soil prep. Tiger lilies thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil, so aim for a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0.
You can test the soil with a basic pH kit available at most garden stores. Dig down about 12 inches and mix in some organic compost or well-rotted manure.
This will give your flowers the nutrients they crave. Loosen the soil to help their roots spread easily.
Plant the Bulbs
Now comes the fun part—planting! Dig holes that are about three times the size of the bulb’s diameter.
Place the bulbs about 8-12 inches apart to give them room to grow. Put the bulb in the hole pointy side up, then cover it with soil.
Water the area well to help the bulbs settle in. They’ll start growing in early spring, but patience is key—they might not bloom until late summer.
Water Regularly
Consistent watering is super important. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a big no-no. Aim to water them deeply about once a week.
If you notice your lilies starting to droop or wilt, give them a little more water. During hotter months, you might need to water a bit more frequently.
Trust your gut—and the weather forecast!
Fertilize for Big Blooms
If you want those eye-catching blooms, you’ll need to feed your tiger lilies. Use a balanced fertilizer, something like a 10-10-10 mix, once a month during the growing season.
Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant, then water it in well. Be careful not to over-fertilize though; too much can lead to lush foliage with fewer flowers.
Follow the instructions on the package and you’ll be golden.
Watch for Pests
Unfortunately, pests love tiger lilies too. Keep an eye out for aphids, beetles, and spider mites.
You can usually spot them on the underside of the leaves. If you see any, spray the plant with a garden hose to knock them off.
For a more stubborn infestation, an insecticidal soap can do the trick. Always check the label to make sure it’s safe for lilies.
Deadhead Spent Flowers
Once your tiger lilies start to bloom, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort to keep them looking their best. Remove spent flowers by cutting them off at the base of the bloom.
This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more blossoms. Plus, it makes the garden look tidier.
Don’t chop off the leaves though—they help the bulbs store energy for next year.
Divide and Conquer
Every few years, your tiger lilies will get crowded and need more space. Early spring or after they’ve finished blooming in fall is the best time for this.
Dig up the clumps and gently separate the bulbs. Replant them in fresh soil, spaced about 12 inches apart.
This keeps them healthy and encourages bigger, better blooms. With a little TLC, your tiger lily garden will flourish year after year!