Lily Bulbs

Lily Bulbs FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Lily Bulbs in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Lily Bulbs

The best time to plant lily bulbs in the UK is in spring, typically from March to May, once the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. For outdoor planting, wait until the soil temperature is around 8-10°C (46-50°F). Lilies can also be planted in autumn (October to November) for earlier blooms the following summer, but it's important to plant them before the first frost to allow the bulbs to establish roots. For indoor planting, lilies can be started earlier, from January to March, and then moved outdoors when the weather warms up.

How to Plant Lily Bulbs

To plant lily bulbs, choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil, and prepare the ground by loosening it to a depth of 15–20 cm (6–8 inches), adding compost for extra fertility. Place the bulbs with the pointed end facing up, covering them with 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of soil, and space them 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) apart to allow for proper air circulation. Water gently after planting to settle the soil, but avoid overwatering as lilies prefer slightly dry conditions at first. Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but make sure it doesn’t cover the bulb’s top. Keep the soil moist but well-drained, and with proper care, your lilies will grow strong and bloom beautifully in the summer.

How long do Lily Bulbs take to grow

Lily bulbs typically take 8 to 12 weeks to grow from planting to blooming, depending on the variety and growing conditions. After planting in spring, the bulbs will start to sprout in a few weeks, with the shoots emerging from the soil. By mid to late summer, usually July to August, they will begin to bloom. The time to full growth can vary depending on the specific type of lily, but most lilies will flower within two to three months of planting, provided they are given plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.

Why Grow Lily Bulbs?

Growing lily bulbs is a great way to add elegance and colour to your garden. Lilies offer a stunning display of large, fragrant flowers in a variety of vibrant colours, making them perfect for flower beds, borders, and cut flower gardens. They thrive in sunny locations and are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional feeding. Lilies are also known for their versatility, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing you to create a diverse and beautiful garden. Their attractive foliage and stunning blooms make them an ideal choice for adding vertical height, as well as a sweet fragrance to your outdoor space.

Where can you grow Lily Bulbs?

Lily bulbs can be grown in a variety of locations, provided they receive full sun or lightly shaded conditions. They thrive in well-drained soil and can be planted in flower beds, borders, and cut flower gardens. Lilies are also perfect for growing in containers or pots on patios, balconies, or terraces, as long as they receive adequate sunlight. For a more formal look, plant them at the back of garden borders to create height, or use them as focal points in smaller spaces. Lilies can also be grown near fences or trellises, where they may be sheltered from strong winds that could damage their tall stems. Just ensure the soil is fertile, well-drained, and not too soggy.

Why Buy Lily Bulbs from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Lily Bulbs and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.