You can definitely dig up and replant tiger lilies! It’s a fairly straightforward process that can be done at different times of the year, depending on your preference and the specific needs of your lilies.
One ideal time to dig up and replant tiger lilies is in the fall, after the foliage has died back. This is usually around late September or early October, depending on your location. Start by identifying the area where you want to move or expand your lily bed. Then, using a garden fork or shovel, carefully dig around the clump of tiger lilies, making sure to dig deep enough to avoid damaging the bulbs.
Once you’ve dug up the clump, gently shake off any excess soil to expose the bulbs. You may notice that the clump is made up of multiple bulbs that are connected to each other. If you’d like to create more space in your lily bed, you can separate these “babies” from the main clump and replant them individually.
When replanting the tiger lilies, choose a location that receives full to partial sunlight and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the bulb and its roots, usually around 6-8 inches deep. Place the bulb in the hole with the roots spread out, and backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the bulb.
It’s important to note that tiger lilies can be quite resilient and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they tend to prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the planting hole can help improve soil fertility and drainage.
If you choose to dig up and replant tiger lilies at the end of winter, just before new shoots start to emerge, the process is similar. Wait until the ground has thawed and the weather has started to warm up, usually around late February or early March. Follow the same steps of digging up the clump, separating the bulbs if desired, and replanting them in a new location.
One thing to keep in mind when digging up and replanting tiger lilies is that it may take a year or two for the lilies to fully establish themselves and start blooming again. This is because the bulbs need time to adjust to their new surroundings and build up energy for flowering. So, be patient and give them some time to settle in.
Digging up and replanting tiger lilies is a great way to move or expand your lily bed. Whether you choose to do it in the fall or at the end of winter, following the proper steps of digging, separating, and replanting will help ensure the success of your lilies. So go ahead and give it a try to enjoy the beauty of tiger lilies in your desired location!
