Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 7/11/2006

Question
Just one addl question...All the leaves from my 3 stems have turned brown and fallen off, is that a problem? And if I'm reading correctly, you said to leave the stems attached to the bulb? One of the stems is real loose in the dirt. I have all of them still in the original pot and have not really watered them for awhile. I will plant them outside this weekend. Should I water what's in the pot now, until I get them outside? Sorry to be clueless about this. Thanks so much for all your info..
Terry
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Followup To

Question -
Hi, I live in the suburbs of Chicago. I purchased a potted Oriental Stargazer Lily that bloomed beautifully. It has now,died out and all that is left are the 3 tall stems. I was told that I can replant this outside and it will rebloom?  How do I care for it until it's time to plant it outside and when do I plant it outside?  I'd appreciate any info you can give me!
Thanks Much

Answer -
Plant it outdoors now. Simply empty the entire contents of the pot out onto a piece of newspaper.

Gently seperate the 3 stems from each other (each will have their own seperate lily bulb with roots). Try not to damage the bulbs or roots.

Replant each bulb spaced about 1 foot apart on center (in a triangle shape) to the dept that the bulb grew in the pot.

Water very well (thoroughly soak the area for a long time to ensure the soil settles around the root). Give the plant a shot of annual plant fertilizer, too.

Do's and dont's:
- In spring, when the lily stems stick their heads just above soil level, fertilize and do so again just as the flower buds form
- plant in full sun (not shade) but in well draining soil (water should not be standing for a long time after it has rained)
- water well during the summer season. A good long soaking is preferred to shallow waterings.
- after the flower has bloomed, deadhead the spent blooms, but let the stem with leaves stay. The stem with leaves is required to recharge the bulb for next year's bloom.
- do not plant where deer is a problem (they love it).

The most important part to remember is the good drainage, and to let the flower stem with leaves stay until they are turned brown by first frost.

If you have problems seperating the bulbs, then just plant them together in one planting hole. Remember to water good (long and well).

Good luck

-- Kenneth

Answer
Best result you would get from keeping the stems with leaves actively growing and attached to the bulbs for as long time as at all possible. During this time, the stems (leaves) will recharge the bulbs for next year's bloom.

If the stems are all brown/withered already, there is no reason to keep them on. If you can tug gently and remove the stems, do this; otherwise just leave the stems on until they fall off by themselves.

Empty the soil including bulbs (w/stems ) out of the pot and seperate the bulbs. Replant the bulbs spaced 1 sq foot apart with the roots facing down and the tip of the bulb facing up. If the stem is attached, leave it on and plant it; stem and all. Approximate dept from base plate (bottom of bulb) to top of soil: 8-10" deep.