Daylilies are hardy perennials which thrive even with neglect but will reward you with an even greater abundance of blooms with a little extra care.
When You get home: Be kind to yourself and your new purchases, no need to go out into the sun and dig immediately. Your cultivars would be happiest if you would place them, still in the bag, in the shade and fill the bag with water so they could hydrate. Plant them in the evening or the next day. Although not mandatory, when you dig your hole, placing some water in the bottom of your hole will ensure that water reaches the roots (but also top water, heavily). They would appreciate daily watering for a couple of days, followed by every other day for about a week, especially if we are in the heat of the summer. You can then reduce your watering. Your daylily will not die if you do not spoil it, as directed above, but it will look nicer. If you have any aged mature handy, mix it lightly with your soil when you are planting new acquisition.
Where To Plant: Most daylilies bloom best in full sun. They require a minimum of six hours of sun. If planted near or under trees, daylilies must compete with tree roots and do better if given extra water.
When to Plant: Daylilies can be planted anytime from Spring through Fall.
Type of Soil: Any good garden soil is appropriate for growing daylilies. The ideal soil holds sufficient moisture but should also be well drained. It is important to prepare your soil by adding peat moss, humus, and compost. In clay soil you will also use sand plus the three other ingratiates.
How to Plant: Your soil and surrounding will determine where you plant your daylilies. The soil should be worked into a good loose condition to a depth of about a foot. New plants should be planted about as deep as they were growing originally. Avoid air pockets left around your plants by firmly pressing your foot around your new acquisition after planting.
Spacing: Daylilies should be spaced between 18” and 24” apart on each side. Some varieties multiply very fast and your clump will become crowed if planted too close to each other.
Watering & Fertilizing: Being well-watered and appropriately fertilized will maximize your blooms. It is especially desirable to fertilize them in spring and make sure that they are well-watered at this time since the blooms are forming underground. Fertilizing: Although daylilies still perform nicely even when neglected, you will get the best show when they are fertilized in the spring and fall. Any garden fertilizer will work, but a slow-release fertilizers such as aged manure works very well.
Mulching: Mulching generally does contribute to better daylilies by improving the soil, helping to retain moisture, and helping to control weeds.
Dividing Daylilies: Daylilies should be divided when the clump becomes overly large. If the clump has stopped blooming in the middle, it is in strong needed of division. Dig the entire plant up and pull the fans apart and trim back the foliage. In large clumps, use a large knife, screwdriver, or garden shovel to separate the fans into smaller clumps.
Thank-you from for your purchase from Saratoga Daylilies (our new name). To make life interesting, we can also be found under our original name, Lladybug Daylilies & Llamas (our Facebook Name). Located at 1115 Goode Road, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020. (518) 884-0265.