How to Grow
Fritillaria

Fritillaria will grow both in full sun on well-drained soil, and in damp areas in full sun or dappled
shade.

1. Where soil conditions are less than ideal it’s advisable to prepare the site before planting,
with organic matter and horticultural grit.
2. Plant larger varieties such as Fritillaria imperialis 15cm deep, whilst smaller varieties like
Fritillaria meleagris can be planted 8cm deep.
3. We recommend fritillaria are planted in small unregimented drifts about 10cm apart.
4. It’s best to plant the bulbs on their sides to prevent water getting into the crowns.
5. The soil can also be enhanced by adding extra grit or sand for excellent drainage.
6. Fritillarias are suitable for rock gardens, raised beds or naturalising in grass.

1. Fill your container with a high-quality bulb compost and add crocks or grit to aid drainage.
2. Depending on the size of your container, plant five bulbs per pot approximately 10cm into
the soil and water in.
3. The shorter varieties such as meleagris and michailovskyi are best suited to container
planting.

1. Add compost as the shoots emerge in the spring, as well as applying a general-purpose
fertiliser and high potassium fertiliser to aid growth.
2. Once the flowers have bloomed, keep the foliage going until it dies back naturally.
3. When the foliage is completely yellow or brown, remove it from the garden.
4. If a well-established clump starts to flower poorly, then lift the bulbs in early autumn when
dormant, improve the soil or move to a new planting area.

The commonly encountered pests that attack fritillaria include the red lily beetle, slugs, and snails.
It’s best to check frequently from early spring so action can be taken before a population of lily
beetle has developed. Beetles can either be picked off by hand or the use of an organic insecticide
can be used if the problem persists.