Planting Easter Lilies Outside

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For many of us, after we enjoy our Easter lilies indoors, we can plant them in our flower garden.

Easter lilies will survive winters in zones 5 and higher.

This includes most of the Midwest and southern parts of the U.S.

Easter lilies are perennials, meaning they will bloom every year (click here to learn more about perennials).

Although grown in a greenhouse to bloom in time for Easter, the normal bloom time for an Easter lily is mid-summer.

Wait until the chance of frost has passed before planting outside.

That is generally mid-May in northeastern Ohio.

Until then, place the plant near a window or other light source and keep the soil moist, but not water-logged.

Often, Easter lilies have a decorative pot cover that will hold extra water.

For best results, be sure the plant isn’t sitting in this water.

How to Plant Easter Lilies

Choose a location that has part to full sun and well-drained soil.

However not necessary, it is always recommended to add peat moss, compost, or other organic amendments to the soil as this will improve drainage.

Easter lilies can grow to 3-4’ tall, so they can be placed behind lower-growing plants.

Plant the lily so that there are about 3-4 inches of soil above the bulb.

Generally, this would be a little deeper than the pot it came in.

Easter lilies are relatively easy to maintain in the garden.

Simply water in periods of drought and remove faded blooms.

Add a light application of a general, all-purpose fertilizer each spring.

In late summer or early fall, allow the foliage to die back naturally.

This allows energy to return to the bulb so it can be enjoyed for years to come!

Did you know there is a story behind why the white lily is an Easter symbol? Click here to read the story!

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