GROW LILIUMS from scales

Lilium bulbs are made up of sections called scales, and at this time of year, when the plants have died down, it’s easy to propagate some more of your favourite lilies from individual scales. Just dig out the bulb, shake off the excess soil, and break it up into smaller pieces. Mix the pieces with dampened coir peat in a plastic bag so the scales are well covered. Keep the bag in a slightly warm spot, such as on top of the fridge. After a few weeks, a tiny new bulb will appear on each scale. When the new bulb reaches the size of a pea and some roots are visible, it can be planted into a pot or a garden bed. Your new lily will reach flowering stage in a couple of years.