When Should My Lilies Be Split?

Lilies, which produce from bulbs, need to be divided and transplanted in the fall for optimal health. Experts recommend late September for this process, and daylilies can be divided in early spring or late summer. It is best to divide them in early spring before they begin their yearly growth, or wait until early spring when new growth begins above the ground. Daylily division should be tackled every three to five years for optimum health, as never dividing them will result in fewer and smaller lilies.

Lily bulbs multiply every year under the soil, so it is essential to divide and transplant them periodically to maintain optimal health and maximum flower production. If your lilies are getting overcrowded, you can divide and transplant them to keep them healthy. After 3-4 weeks after flowering, use a garden fork to dig under and around the lilies.

Dividing daylilies in the fall allows the plants to establish themselves before winter sets in. To maintain optimal health and maximum flower production, clumps should be divided every three to five years. Divisions bloom sparsely in the first year, but once established, they grow in beauty and flower abundance.

To divide daylilies in the spring, flip the plant over and dig up the clump and separate the bulbs. For bulb and tuber-based lilies, divide them in the fall every few years to prevent overcrowding. After 3-4 years, your lilies will have developed a large bulb structure underground.