HOW TO PROPAGATE LILIES

Lilies are one of the simplest bulbs to divide. each stem has buds on it. the bud is a cluster of scales and the scales produce new bulbs.

If you are planning on using the whole bulb, cut off the roots growing at the base then give it a wash with water to get any soil off. If you just want a few new plants, after washing the bulb very gently flick the scales off without removing the root. the original bulb can then be replanted.

Pop the scales into a small container of flowers of sulphur. the fungicide smells terrible, so wearing gloves is important. if you don’t have flowers of sulphur you can use a mild bleach, but this doesn’t work as well.

Remove the scales from the fungicide and put in an ice cream container filled with medium and vermiculite. Close the lid. (if you can’t access vermiculite, you can use peat or sterilised sand, but vermiculite is far better as it holds water without getting soggy.) the medium should feel slightly moist, but not soggy.

Place your container in a warm, dark place, such as a hot water cylinder cupboard. depending on the variety, it can take a few weeks to a month before you find tiny bulblets forming at the base of each scale. After this, they will form little roots.

Wait until the temperatures warm, then, put each scale into a pot of good quality potting mix, taking care to keep the whole bulblet together. the top of the scale may poke out of the medium, but that is okay.

Let the bulblet grow on for a season. then, when you’re ready, you can plant them out into the garden. From there, you’ll have a flowering bulb (depending on the variety) in two to three years’ time.