Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 7/23/2006

Question
We live in zone 5, 20 miles south of St Louis. I'm afraid it will be too hot outside for my new stargazers, so I was wondering if I could keep them potted & move them in & outdoors during the hottest part of summer. In the fall, could I plant the bulbs in the ground, mulch, etc. since I don't have a basement or garage to store them in during the winter.

Answer
Stargazers can take hot weather with no problems. My friends in northern Florida grow them outdoors.

Gradually transition the pot from shade into sun over a number of days (a process called "hardening off"). Keep the pot well watered (daily).

In 7-10 days, plant the lilies in the ground. They need to stay in the ground cover the winter.

If you prefer, you can also keep the lilies in the pot for now, and plant in fall.

However, provided you gradually transition the lilies from a shaded area to a sunny area, the lilies should be ok for planting immediately.