Easter lilies are one of the loveliest harbingers of spring, and a common Easter gift. However, did you know that these flowering bulbs are long-lived perennials that, with proper care, can last for many years? Once you know the tricks to keep them healthy and flowering, your potted Easter lily will bloom again and again.
Potted Easter lilies last for a couple of weeks when forced for spring blooms. Once a potted bulb is brought out of dormancy, it takes 110 to 115 days to bloom. Each flower lasts for a few days, and within a week or two the plant will be done blooming for the year.
How to Care for Potted Easter lilies?
1. When bringing home a potted Easter lily, remove the outer foil or paper cover. Water the soil well, but let all excess water drain out before placing it in a saucer or a decorative outer pot.
2. Keep the pot in a bright spot out of direct sun, and away from heating vents. Potted Easter lilies will last longest at temperatures between 60 to 65°F (15 to 17°C).
3. Clip the bright orange anthers off. This will prolong the life of the flowers, and eliminate the pollen that can stain fabrics and cause allergic reactions.
4. Once the flowers have finished, set the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Feed it every 2 weeks until the foliage dies down.
5. Either plant the bulb out in a garden bed, or store it in a paper bag in a cool, dry location until fall.
6. To force blooms the following spring, chill the potted Easter lily at or below 45°F (8°C) for at least 8 weeks, and then keep it at temperatures between 60 to 65°F (15 to 17°C). It should bloom in about 4 months.
Can Easter lilies Survive the Winter in Pots?
Potted Easter lilies will not survive the winter in pots outside without extra protection. You can sink the pots into holes in the ground and cover them with a thick layer of mulch, or store them in a cool but frost-free space such as an attached garage or cold cellar.
Potted Easter lilies Temperature Tolerance?
Potted Easter lilies will bloom the longest at temperatures from 60 to 65°F (15 to 17°C).
Do Potted Easter lilies Come Back Each Year?
Potted Easter lilies can come back every year when given the proper care. Once they have finished blooming, they should be kept watered and fed with a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks until the foliage has died back. Remove the bulb from the soil and store it in a paper bag in a cool dry location.
6 months before you want it to flower, put the bulbs in a refrigerator or cold room for about 2 months to chill.
When Should You Plant Easter lilies in a Pot?
After the bulbs have finished their chilling phase, remove them from their paper bag and plant them in fresh potting soil. Water them well and feed with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a month until they start blooming.
How Long Do Potted Easter lilies Take to Grow?
Once they have been chilled and planted in a pot, it will take potted Easter lilies about 4 months to start flowering. During the period that they are growing foliage, keep them in bright, indirect light and water and feed regularly.
How Long Will Potted Easter lilies Last Inside?
While individual flowers will last a few days each, your potted Easter lily will continue to produce new blooms for a couple of weeks. You will get the longest bloom period if you cut off the bright orange anthers, keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, and maintain temperatures on the cool side. Moving the pot to a cooler location such as an enclosed porch or cold cellar overnight will extend the flowering stage.
Are Potted Easter Lilies Poisonous to Pets?
If you have cats or dogs who tend to nibble at plants, make sure to keep your potted Easter lily well out of their reach, as they can have severe reactions to ingesting the foliage or flowers.
Final Thoughts
Potted easter lilies are one of the sure signs of spring, and commercial growers go to considerable trouble to ensure that their bulbs are blooming by Easter every year. You can replicate their methods on a much smaller scale to bring the fragrant, delicate blooms of this spring classic back year after year!
Read how long other potted plants last:
- How Long Do Potted Hydrangeas Last?
- How Long Do Potted Geraniums Last?
- How Long Do Potted Daffodils Last?
- How Long Do Potted Azaleas Last?
- What to Do with Potted Plants at End of Season?
Janice is a retired High School teacher who is spending her leisure years keeping busy with all sorts of projects. Aside from freelance writing, she’s an enthusiastic amateur chef, home wine maker, and tends a large raised-bed vegetable garden, while at the same time running a Bed & Breakfast.