Growing Surprise Lilies From Seed: A Guide?

The surprise lilies, also known as Lycoris squamigera, are members of the Amaryllis family and are native to eastern Asia. They have trumpet-shaped blooms that resemble lilies and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Resurrection lilies prefer full sun but can grow in partial shade as long as they receive afternoon sun. They need well-drained soil and can be propagated through seeds.

Surprise lilies can be grown from bulbs, which can be purchased from online sources and local garden centers. They thrive in part shade and average moisture, but can tolerate full sun and dry conditions. To grow surprise lilies, dig a hole about 8″ deep, set the bulb in the hole pointy-end up, and cover the bulb with soil. Space bulbs 8-12 inches apart and water them well after planting.

Resurrection lilies thrive in locations with full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates. Store seeds in a cool dark location for winter and start them indoors in a warm (70 degrees) sterile starter mix. It takes about 3-6 weeks for seeds to sprout.

Select a planting site with rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant bulbs 15 to 30 cm apart, with lights 2-3 inches above the flats. Raised or lower the flats as the seedlings grow, maintaining the same distance.

In summary, surprise lilies are a beautiful and desirable perennial plant that can be propagated through seeds or bulbs. They thrive in full sun and partial shade, but can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates. Proper planting strategies and care are essential for their growth and success.

How do you germinate lilies from seed?

Direct sowing outdoors involves planting seeds about 1/4 inch deep three months before the first frost, keeping the soil moist throughout the summer. This method has excellent germination rates, but losses can be high in the first winter after summer growth above ground.

Zip-lock baggie planting involves making the planting medium slightly wetter and placing the seeds under lights at 18°C (65°F) for five days or until the seeds start to swell up. After the five-day incubation period, lower the moisture content by adding more dry planting medium and place the baggie in a fridge set at 9°C (49°F) to 11°C (52°F). If condensation continues to form, lower the baggie’s moisture levels by adding more dry planting medium.

During the time period, check the baggies weekly for air changes and ensure mildew is not growing. Warm the seeds up at room temperatures for twelve hours and return them to the fridge every two and a half weeks. Germination should begin within thirty to 35 days, but it is important to leave them in the baggie in the fridge even after germinating.

Delayed hypogeal is the easiest method of germination, as it requires hardening off before planting. This method is ideal for bulblets with roots but no leaves, which may take four months or longer from germination.

In summary, direct sowing, zip-lock baggie planting, and delayed hypogeal are all methods for germination in plants.

Where do surprise lilies grow best?

Surprise lilies thrive in well-draining soil with sunlight and require minimal care. Divide clumps during dormant periods or when flowering performance has diminished. The most common surprise lily in St. Louis is Lycoris squamigera, which produces grey-green leaves in spring and dies back in summer. The bulbs enter a rest period before producing a 2′ tall flowering scape in late summer. The pale pink, fragrant blooms will naturalize and spread slowly through bulb offsets. Lycoris caldwellii, a cold-hardy species, blooms in early fall with creamy white to pale yellow flowers on 1. 5′ tall scapes. Both plants require little care.

Can you grow surprise lilies from seeds?

The Surprise Lily is a versatile plant that thrives in part shade and average moisture conditions, but can also tolerate full sun and dry conditions. It grows from a bulb, which can be easily divided every five years after the flowers have finished blooming. The plant is easy to grow, and it can be placed 4-6 inches deep for best growth without the need for additional fertilizer. The University of Arkansas Extension Service reports that Surprise Lilies do not have many pest problems.

Transported from Japan in the late 1800s, the Surprise Lily belongs to the same botanical family as amaryllis, and its flowers are similar. It is also known as Naked Lady, Spider Lily, Hurricane Lily, Magic Lily, Pink Flamingo Flowers, and Resurrection Lily. Regardless of its name, the Surprise Lily is a fun addition to any garden or landscape, providing an extra boost of floral color at the end of a long, hot, dry summer when most other plants are fading out. It is a great choice for adding a fun design element to your landscape.

How do you propagate surprise lilies?

The surprise lily is a triploid plant that requires division every 3 years to establish new roots. Its sterility is due to its triploid nature. To avoid its stark appearance, it is best to plant the bulbs in a mixed ground cover or flowerbed. Clusters can make the surprise lily a showstopper, making it suitable for container planting, border, patio planting, meadow, or woodland settings. The flowers are showy, fragrant, and suitable for cutting. They bloom in late summer and fall and have foliage in late winter and early spring.

Are lilies hard to grow from seed?

Most lily species are easy to raise from seed, and most don’t require a glasshouse. The only special equipment needed is patience, as most take two or three years to flower. The RHS Lily Group is the best UK source of lily seed, distributing seed to its members in late winter at a nominal cost per packet. The annual list typically includes 150-170 species, varieties, and selections, as well as 150-150 lily hybrids. Commercial sources can supply a limited range of seeds of lily species and hybrids through an internet search.

Should seeds be soaked overnight before planting?

To soak seeds, cover them with water in a glass bowl, avoid direct sunlight, and maintain room temperature. Soak seeds for six to 24 hours, avoiding going beyond 24 hours to avoid problems. Drain the water and discard any unhealthy seeds. Plant seeds quickly to avoid rot and nutrient loss. Peas are the best seeds to soak for eight to 12 hours before planting in cool climates, as they absorb more moisture for uniform and quicker sprouting. Using inoculants can also ensure a strong and hardy crop of peas in your garden. Delaying the process can negate the benefits of soaking.

Do lilies reseed themselves?

The Margazin, lancifolium, and pardalinium lilies flourish in environments with partial sunlight exposure and have the capacity to self-seed, thereby establishing a visually appealing colony beneath the canopies of deciduous trees. These lilies are optimal for naturalization and can be planted from late autumn to early April. Lilies are available for purchase as bulbs or potted plants at garden centers during the summer season.

Do you soak lily seeds before planting?

To germinate canna seeds, start the process at least one to two months before planting outside. Germination usually takes one to two weeks. Soak the seeds in water for at least 24 hours, using lukewarm water or a commercial medium like Jiffy Mix. Place the seeds in small depressions and cover with the mix and water. Cover the container and keep it warm indoors at a constant temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F. (21-24 C.) with a heating pad.

Scarification is another method to encourage canna seed germination by rubbing off the seed coat before planting. Continue rubbing until the endosperm becomes visible, and the seeds can be planted directly in the medium without soaking.

Do surprise lilies multiply?

The propagation of Lycoris squamigera can be achieved through the use of daughter bulbs or offsets, which can be divided at intervals of four to five years. The bulbs can be harvested once the foliage has died back or the flowers have ceased blooming. Any surplus bulbs can be distributed to friends and neighbors.

Do surprise lilies come back every year?

The surprise lily, a plant known for its predictable blooms, typically blooms from the last few days of July to mid-August each year. However, the unpredictable weather conditions in Arkansas can make it challenging for these bulbs to decide when to bloom. Before flower buds can be initiated, they must undergo a period of rest over winter, breaking flower bud dormancy. Lycoris, a member of the amaryllis family, may have a different process.

Surprise lily bulbs resent being moved, as they may not bloom the following year or have dried out too much. They can be grown in zone 9, the lower gulf coast, and into Florida, where they make foliage but no flowers. In summary, surprise lilies are a fascinating plant that requires careful planning and management to thrive in unpredictable weather conditions.

How long do lilies take to bloom from seed?

Lily species germinate differently and respond differently to temperature changes, leading to the development of techniques to speed up germination and seed growth. Some growers use plastic bags of moistened vermiculite, keeping them warm for a few weeks, then refrigerating them for more. In most temperate climates, germination is triggered by natural seasonal changes. North American species and hybrids thrive when sown in early autumn, providing cool night temperatures for germination.

The first leaves appear in late winter or early spring. A 125mm (5 in) plastic pot is ideal for ten lily seeds, while some prefer a 150 cm (6 in) pot for more space and time to strengthen before transplanting. Clay pots can be used if preferred, but it’s up to personal preference.