As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that the best time to divide daylilies is in late summer to early fall, shortly after they have finished flowering. This is the ideal time because the plants have completed their blooming cycle and are entering a period of dormancy. Dividing daylilies during this time allows them to establish new roots before the onset of winter, ensuring their health and vitality.
Daylilies should be divided every 3 to 5 years in order to maintain their vigor and promote continuous blooming. Over time, daylily clumps can become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and overall decline in plant health. Dividing them regularly helps to prevent this and encourages the growth of new shoots and more abundant blooms.
To divide daylilies, start by carefully digging up the entire clump using a garden fork or shovel. Gently shake off any excess soil to expose the individual fans or shoots. Look for natural divisions or “eyes” on the clump, which are small, swollen growth points indicating where new shoots will emerge.
Using a sharp knife or gardening shears, separate the fans into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least three to five healthy shoots and a good root system. It’s important to avoid tearing or damaging the roots during this process, as this can hinder the plants’ ability to establish themselves.
Once divided, you can replant the sections in a new location or share them with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and fertility. Plant the divided daylilies at the same depth as they were originally growing, ensuring that the crown of the plant (where the shoots emerge) is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
After planting, water the newly divided daylilies thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root establishment. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks after dividing to help the plants recover from the transplant shock. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Dividing daylilies not only keeps them healthy and blooming strong, but it also allows you to expand your collection or share the beauty of these versatile plants with others. So, if you notice your daylilies becoming crowded or less productive, don’t hesitate to divide them and give them a new lease on life.
