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Stargazer lilies

28 Comments on Stargazer lilies»

1. I just purchased a lily star gazer at the supermarket. It has two bulbs and has not flowered as yet. I have it right now in my baywindow facing the north. Should I wait for it to bloom before I plant in the garden or leave it as is?

   I’m afraid if you disturb the root system at this time it may not flower. If it has flower buds on it let it bloom and enjoy as they bloom naturally in July. When finished blooming, plant it in the garden, let it die back for next year. You can also keep it outdoors in sun/semi shade, just make sure you plant it in the garden before the weather gets too cold. Lilies will need to develop a root system before winter sets in.

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:10 am

2. I bought a pack of stargazer bulb that consist 2 bulbs and planted each of it 6″ deep in a flower pot. I put the flower pot outdoor and water it whenever the soil is dry. It’s been 2 weeks now and there is nothing appear. Could you guide me how to care for the bulbs? Thanks.

   Part of the problem could be that you planted it too deep. Dig down and see if there is anything coming up, otherwise, knock the bulb out of the pot, check for soft spots and root development. If you have any soft spots throw the bulb out because it may have a rot and is not worth the effort. If the bulb is firm and is developing roots replant it with the tip up, 2 inches below the soil line. Water when dry and care for it the same way you would an Easter lily. I am assuming that the bulbs have been pre-cooler for forcing. The forcing time for stargazer lilies will vary depending on temperature & light intensity.

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:12 am

3. I bought a stargazer lily in the spring, planted it in a pot to keep indoors, it started to bloom but soon appeared to be dying. The flower fell off and the tips of the leaves turned brown. I don’t know if it’s the natural progression of the plant’s life cycle or if it has something wrong with it. Can you advise me? I really would like to have it indoors but if it won’t work I will plant it outdoors. I love the scent. I live in Vermont, if that helps. Thanks!

   It sounds as if the plant died prematurely but continued the natural progression of life. They bloom for around two weeks and then the leaves slowly die back. If it had the opportunity to rebuild itself, then the best place for your stargazer lily is outdoors in the garden. Plant it in a sunny, well drained spot 4-6 inches deep. It is hardy in zone 4-9. Hopefully, it will have enough time to develop a root system to carry it over the winter. Be sure to mulch it when the soil freezes.

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:13 am

4. I was wondering if you could tell me what the best way to care for cut stargazer lilies. I was told you have to take the center out of them but i am not sure. I would appreciate any feedback you could give.
   Thanks
   Your site is very helpful and informative. I have bookmarked you for all my future needs.

   Place your cut flowers in cool water with some floral preservative. To keep stargazer lilies longer you should remove the anther(male part of the plant)with the yellow pollen on it. Leaving it on shortens the life span of the flower. This is done with most lilies. Take care not to get the pollen on your clothes as it will stain. If you do, brush it off with a dry paper towel, that should remove most of it.

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:15 am

5. I live in the Chicago area and bought a Stargazer that was already blooming in April. The leaves and stems are green, but a couple blooms fell off before opening. Does that mean its getting ready to die back and won’t bloom again until next year? Also, its bloom time in this area states August. Thanks.

   Your stargazer lily was forced to bloom early (probably for Easter).All of its energy was used and now it needs to regenerate. When the weather permits plant it in a sunny/part shade spot in the garden and it will naturally die back. Remember “heads in the sun and feet in the shade” It will rebloom next year in July/Aug.

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:19 am

6. Stevie
   I bought a beautiful mango lily in May it bloomed for about a week and then the petals just fell off. Is it supposed to bloom again? Its still green and looks healthy - just no blooms.

   Asiatic lilies and hybrids bloom once per season about 2 - 4 wks. Only daylilies will bloom for an extended summer season. It suspect your lily is done for the year. Keep the foliage growing for next year

   .

   Comment by Kris — 10/5/2006 @ 7:31 am

7. Hello. I am trying to reproduce my asian/oriental lilies. I pollinated the flowers and they took off very well. I just don’t know when I am supposed to remove the seed pods growing. I am new at this stuff and would appreciate the help. Thank you.

   When the green seed pods turns soft and brown, clip it off the stem. Bring it indoors or keep it in a dry place for 2-3 weeks. Once dry, shake the seeds from the pods. The seeds are viable for 9-10 mo. when stored @ room temperature. For longer storage keep in them in an air tight container in the freezer.

   Please help with the process to start planting my stargazer lily seeds. I do have plant light so I could start early. I live in West Tennessee. Thanks.

   Growing Stargazer lilies from seed is a long process and require some patience. It takes 3 years from seed to bloom. Oriental lily seeds are delayed hypogeal that germinate slowly in two stages. First stage: Warm period: place the seeds in a clear plastic bag with spaghnum moss, peat moss , vermiculite or coarse potting soil mixed w/ granite grit. Seal, label and store in a warm spot (60-70F) for 3-4 months at which time seeds will form small bulblets with delicate roots. Second stage Cool period: Take the bag with the swollen bulblets and place it in the refrigerator (34-40F) for 10-12 weeks. After cooling period plant tiny bulblets in loose potting soil mix 1/4 inch deep. Place under lights or window or if weather permits (frost free) outdoors in a protected area. The true leaves should show in 1-2 wks.. Water, feed with diluted fertilizer every two wks. You should get 3-5 leaves the 1st growing season. Keep seedling potted the first season and transplant outdoors the second spring. You should have bloom in the 3rd season. Hybrid cross seeds will not produce true clones of the parent plant but you may get some interesting new possibilities. source: lilies.org, lilyseeds.com

   Comment by James McCune — 11/10/2006 @ 8:21 am

8. STORING LILY BULBS

   I bought some asian and oriental lily bulbs . Unfortunately I have not planted them. I need to store the bulbs between november and june. How should I store them. Thanks.

   It’s always best to plant lilies 10 days after you get them. Buying them late and not knowing how the bulbs were handled in the store can raise quality issues of the bulb itself. To store lily bulbs for a prolonged amount of time, place them in a mesh bag with damp(not wet) peat or spagnum moss. The bulb and roots must not dry out or it will die. Store this bag in a refrigerator. Keep away from fruit and veggetables as the ethylene gas they emit can damage the flower inside the bulb. Periodically check for molding or shriveling. You can also store them longer in the freezer but most home freezer won’t work because the temperature has to be above 32-35F. Plant in the spring or as soon as you can.

   I know stargazer lilies are supposed to be outdoors, but I live in an apartment complex n with all the activities around that’s not possible for me. How can I keep them alive and growing in an apt. I just love these plants they are beautiful, and really the only ones I like. Thank You, Patricia

   Hi Pat,
   Stargazer are bulb plants that go through a growth cycle. After blooming, the plants may stay green for a while but eventually will die back nautrally. They do not grow year round and need a dormant period to rebuild the bulb for the next bloom. Typically, the leaves will turn yellow/brown, fall off. If you plan to store them indoors, keep the bulb in the pot or plastic bag in a dark place at around 35 degrees (frig) for at least 6-8 wks after which you can repot the bulb and start all over.

   2007-10-14
   Angel Feliciano
   Hi should i cut of the yellow/brown stem when it dies out? and what should i do with the plant during its dormant/resting period? should i still water it? i live in a condominium but i have a balcony for it to get sun for a bit.i should store it away from sun during its dormant period right?

   Typically, the leaves will turn yellow/brown, fall off and you will have brown stalks which you can cut off. Leave the bulb in the pot or plastic bag and keep it moist-not wet. The bulb and roots must not dry out or it will die. Store this pot or bag in a refrigerator. Keep away from fruit and vegetables as the ethylene gas they emit can damage the flower inside the bulb. Periodically check for molding or shriveling. You can also store them longer in the freezer but most home freezers won’t work because the temperature has to be no cooler than 32-35F. Store for at least 6-8 wks after which you can repot and grow again. If you see the bulb sprouting take it out of the frig and place it in a sunny window or on your balcony in spring.

   2008-3-17
   Mike Reffalt
   We live in Tacoma, Washington about 2 miles and 200 in elevation off Puget Sound. My wife has half a dozen planters of Stargazers averaging about 18-24 inches in height and diameter some are metal and others are ceramic. In the past I have dragged the planters into the garage in the winter (which we normally keep around 50 in the winter). This year I built a cold box on the side of the house ( I really needed the floorspace in the garage it also functions as my woodshop). My question is what care do stargazers in planters really need in the winter?

   Hi Mike
   You can leave your planters outdoors as long as you don’t get freezing temperatures below 32F during the winter or place them in the cold box you built. If the temps drop below 32F for a short period the insulating value of the soil will still protect them. You can also wrap the container in some insulating material to protect them from cracking. Stargazer lilies can also be stored in the frig at temp of 32- 35F in peat moss.

   Comment by Sue A. Bulakli — 11/21/2006 @ 3:38 pm

9. I am getting married in july and wanted to start some stargazers and gladiolus indoors I live in Sacramento CA, I wanted to know the gestation peroid for lilies and what to do to make them grow happy and healthy in time for the wedding. Thanks .

   Forcing stargazer lilies in pots and timing them just right for the wedding can be a risky task. For July bloom you need to plant them at the end of Jan. or right now. Keep in mind that you probably won’t get the same quality flowers that are produced in the greenhouse. My advice is to purchase stargazers and glads as they will be readily available that time of the year. This way you will have one less thing to worry about when planning your wedding. Here is a site for the information you need. http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/fact_sheets/specific_crops/lily.html

   Comment by Jess — 1/30/2007 @ 8:31 pm

10. We love the Stargazers but our grandchildren are allergic to the sweet smell. Is there a way to diminish their fragrance so it does not spread all over the house?

    People experience fragrant smells in different ways. Where some find it intoxicating others get a headache. Stargazers are popular because of their fragrance. If you remove the inside (pistils and stamens) of the flower, it should diminish the smell. Try the Asiatic lilies, which are fragrance free.

    Comment by Mary Slusher — 2/20/2007 @ 8:59 am

11. Last year I planted about 7 stargazer lilies in a sunny well drained spot under my mailbox. This year I have lots of healthy green stems but no buds. Is it early yet and the will it bud or did I do something wrong? The red asiatic lilies in an adjacent bed have tons of buds on them.

    It is too early for them, Stargazer lilies bloom in mid-summer -late June-July whereas Asiatic lilies begin to bloom in late May or early June.

    Comment by Keitha GArdiner — 5/3/2007 @ 10:29 am

12. My husband bought me some hybrid lilies. It is mid May here in central California. There are three plants planted in a 6 inch pot. I have the indoors. When I got it, they had blooms and now the already mature bulbs are blooming. The smaller ones don’t seem to be growing. They reach a certain point and they start to shrivel. The bottom leaves of the plants are turning brown. Is my plant already going dormant? Should I repot it in a bigger pot? What can I do to help new bulbs healthy?

    Your plant is done blooming and is going dormant. Don’t bother repotting. The important thing to do at this time is to allow it to die back. The foliage & stem will turn brown sending nutrients back to rebuild the bulb for next season. You can also plant it outdoors.

    Comment by Ximell — 5/16/2007 @ 1:36 pm

13. Something has stripped the leaves and buds from my lilies. The remaining leaves are still green and healthy. I can find no insects on the plants.

    Do you have deer in your yard? They seem to like lily flower buds.

    Comment by Marilyn — 5/28/2007 @ 4:37 pm

14. I bought a pot with 6 seperate stargazer lily plants,(all in same pot) and each one has about 2-4 buds on it. They are already blooming and it seems like they don’t have enough room to bloom. COuld it be that they are too close together? If so what’s the best way to transfer them into another pot without ruining them. I also have them indoors.. I’ve never had potted lilies before and I am trying my best! Would appreciate any advice!!

    The only way to transplant them at this time is to carefully remove the whole root ball (all 6 plants) without breaking it up and planting it in a slightly larger pot. Chances are the roots are intertwined and if you tried to separate them you will do more damage. I would leave them as they are and enjoy the flowers. Separate them after the stems die back and you’re ready to plant them outdoors.

    Comment by Lauren — 6/15/2007 @ 1:23 am

15. Hello there. I was recently given a stargazer stem as a gift. It’s been in a vase for a week now, and it has two new blooms… very pretty and surprisingly healthy. I noticed this morning that there is a little creature living on the plant. It’s about the size of a small cricket, bright green, with similar features. It just stays on the plant, though, and it moves very very slowly. My first guess was baby praying mantis…. though it doesnt look like the pictures I have found on the internet. The plant has been inside since its purchase. Any ideas about what it could be?

    What about a Tree Cricket (Gryllidae). They are sometimes mistaken for grasshoppers because they are bright green. http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/crickets/crickets.htm#field

    Comment by CE — 6/19/2007 @ 11:04 am

16. It was mostly kept outside. I have a covered porch, so snow didn’t get at it. I was careful to bring it inside when it got below freezing.

    For some reason your bulb did not re-built itself. It is also possible that it dried out too much during the winter. See above on how to store stargazer lilies. Either way, its not growing. You should have seen signs of new growth (leaves) in the spring at which time you would start watering the bulb. Removing the brown stalks is just cleaning up the old stems after they turn brown so that they can redirect their nutrients back to the bulb for the next season growth.

    Comment by Lindsay — 6/21/2007 @ 2:19 pm

17. I planted stargazer and number of other lily bulbs in containers on my deck. All of the plants have had buds on them for some time, but only one has come into full bloom. On another, you can see the colors the flower will be when it blooms, but it has been at that stage for about 2 weeks now. Is there anything I can do to made the bud flower?

    Lilies can take their time opening when the weather is cold and rainy. They open faster in hot weather. As long as the buds look healthy you have nothing to worry about.

    Comment by Dawn — 6/24/2007 @ 8:21 am

18. What is the best way to remove the anthers from the lilies? I say cut it off and my friend says to pull it off with a tissue. Or does it even matter!? Thanks.

    It really doesn’t matter, whatever method works best for you. I just pull them off with my fingers, if there is a lot of plants to de-pollinate, I use latex gloves to keep my hands from staining. The important thing is not to get the pollen on your clothes or it will stain yellow.

    Comment by Linda — 8/2/2007 @ 3:54 pm

19. I have a number of lilies planted in a half barrel, they bloomed last year and some have died back but others, the bigger ones, are still green and appear vigorous. If they don’t die back should I cut them off anyway or leave them alone. Should I continue to water when the soil is dry or stop.

    Leave them alone and let them die back on their own or the cold weather will do it for you. They are storing nutrients for next year’s bloom. Continue to water until the lily leaves start to yellow.

    Comment by Charlene Viereck — 9/19/2007 @ 10:50 am

20. Hi, I just received a Hybrid Lily for a gift, it has finished flowering and I have pinched off all the dead flowers. It is mid-October here in Calgary, AB - is it safe for me to transplant outdoors with our crazy weather and is there anything special I need to do or just dig a hole and put it in?? I’m pretty sure my dirt insn’t all that great, should I get some sort of special soil or fertilizer?? As you can tell I know absolutely nothing about gardening but would really like to learn. Please if you can I would appreciate any help I could get. Thanks in advance!!

    You mean it’s mid-September. Knock the lily out of the pot and plant it outdoors about 8-10 inches deep or up to 3x the size of the bulb. Don’t disturb the roots or cut the leaves and stem off. If you need to amend the soil for good drainage make the hole larger (12-18″) and mix compost or potting soil to loosen the soil. Add some bone meal in the bottom of the hole. Let the leaves and stem die back (the cold weather may do the job). To protect them from freezing heap 3-4 inches of soil above the soil level to insulate the bulb. Additional snow will also help. Fertilize with a 20-20-20 formula in the spring when new growth emerges.

    Comment by Corinne — 9/26/2007 @ 2:45 pm

21. Hi, I’ve read everyone’s questions and all the answers (even ones that don’t pertain to me!) but I’d like a little clarification. First let me tell you that I bought potted “Rose Stargazer Lillies,” at least that’s how they were labeled (and it’s also a translation as I bought them/live in France). They just seem to be a smaller version of Stargazers with flowers only about 3 inches in diameter. Okay, so here are my questions: when I cut back the brown dead stalks, do I really cut it all the way down to the soil? It’ll regrow all of that next year? (They are currently around 15 inches in height) Also, when the bulbs are in their dormant stage I plan on keeping them in the pot. But you recommend keeping the bulbs, either in the pot or in a plastic bag, in the refrigerator (or freezer) but I don’t have room (remember I live in Europe - land of the tiny appliances). What are my options? And finally, you just told Angel that his/her bulbs might sprout again after only 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator? Did I understand that correctly? Thanks for spelling it all out for me, I’m new at this.

    When all the leaves and stalk die (turn brown) they are replenishing the nutrients back into the bulb and rebuilding it-that’s how they are able to do the same thing next season. If that doesn’t happen you may get some leaf growth but no flowers. Stargazer lilies also require a cool dormant period and should be kept slightly moist so they don’t dry out. A dormant period can take 6-8 weeks and then the bulb may start sprouting. If you have any place that is cool (40’s)like a basement, cellar, in a box on the balcony that may work. The best option is to plant it outdoors-if you can. If not keep it in the pot in a closet, water occasionally to keep it from drying out and see what happens.

    Comment by Karen — 10/25/2007 @ 2:47 pm

22. Hi,
    I bought some stargazer lilies and need to get them planted before the first frost right? Can I plant them in huge pots on my deck and leave them? Do I need to keep them watered until a certain time? I have some already in my back yard I planted 2 yrs ago and they rebloom every year. I love them but wondered if it was too late to plant them now? Thanks for your help..

    You can still plant them in the ground before the ground freezes. If you plant them in large pots the bulbs may freeze as containers don’t have as much insulation as when planted in the ground. Be sure to add a few inches of mulch to protect the bulbs from winter heaving.

    Comment by Cindy — 10/27/2007 @ 9:51 am

23. My friend in San Bernardino, CA wants me to send some of the bulbs I have growing of my Stargazer Lillies. How do I dig them up and send them? I live in Camas, WA and this is March 1, 2008. Mary

    As soon as the weather allows, dig up your bulbs, clean them off and dry them. Pack them in slightly moistened peat moss or spagnum moss. Place in a plastic bag and pack it in a box and ship it out. Don’t wait too long to mail them. You don’t want the bulbs to dry out. Most bulb companies are shipping in March.

    Comment by mary — 3/1/2008 @ 6:55 pm

24. I want to plant it outside now in Las Vegas, NV. How much water, when and what type of amenities for our awful soil.

    Stargazer lilies require a well-drained soil. They will not tolerate wet clay soil. Before planting, amend the soil by adding 1 part of compost, or rich potting soil to 4 parts of your soil. Plant at a depth of 3x the height of the bulb in an area that has morning sun and afternoon shade. Water in well and mulch to conserve soil moisture. Watering will depend on the type of soil and temperatures. Generally, growing plants need 1 inch of water per week.

    Comment by Marge — 3/20/2008 @ 6:01 am

25. CAN I PLANT STARGAZER BULBS IN POTS IN MARCH AND TRANSFER TO GARDEN WHEN THE SHOOTS APPEAR ABOVE THE SOIL

    Yes you can. It will give them a head start. Just make sure when after you transfer them into the garden that you protect the new shoots from any freezing temperatures

    .

    Comment by DEE — 3/24/2008 @ 2:37 pm

26. Hi,
    My mother has bought some potted Stargazer Lilies about a couple of days ago from a green house and the petals are starting to turn brown and wither. Im not sure if there supposed to or not! Whats the best thing I can do? Oh and when’s the best time to replant them? I live in Edmonton, Alberta.
    Thanks.

    The plant is showing signs of stress such as overwatering or just aging. They bloom for around two weeks and then the leaves slowly turn brown and die back which is their natural progression. Remove any wilting flowers and let the leaves die back at which time it will rebuild itself for next year. Water lightly and don’t let the pot sit in water. Plant it in a sunny, well drained spot 4-6 inches deep when the soil is workable. If the bulb was healthy it will rebloom the next year. It is hardy in USDA zone 4-9. If you cannot plant it outdoors see above post for indoor storage.

    Comment by Tamara — 3/27/2008 @ 12:18 am

27. We bought our house last summer, and there were huge star gazer lily plants around the outside of the house. Now, we have brown stalks that are ~4-5 feet high. I know nothing about plants – from reading this page, it seems that we should have cut the brown stalks back last fall. Should they be cut all the way down to the ground? And is it too late now to cut them back to have growth this summer? We live in central Pennsylvania. Thanks!!

    The brown stalks are the leftover dead stems just like you get fron any blooming perennials. It’s not too late remove them-they did their job and now you can pull them out or cut them off at the soil line. The bulb will send out new growth and produce a new stalk.

    Comment by Jenn — 3/30/2008 @ 7:02 am

28. Hi I bought the stargazer Lilies already bloom in the pot and transplanted it in the shady ground. After 1 week, flowers dried and the leaves and stem became yellow, i cut the stem just an inch above the ground. What should i do next. One thing more , i bought bulbs from store and planted it bec it says in california it can still be planted in late spring and will bloom in mid summer. do i have to water the soil everyday? Its been two weeks already and i dont see any results yet. thank you

    I don’t know at what stage of maturity you bought the plant but it sounds like the plant died back very quickly. It’s all about rebuilding the bulb. Now that it has done its job blooming, it needs an 8 week cold treatment at 35-36F. before it can rebloom again. If you don’t see new growth in the next month you may have to wait till next year. You can plant fresh (unforced lilies) in spring and have them bloom in summer but when they are forced in a container, they use up so much energy that they don’t readily rebloom until they have a chance to restore nutrients in the bulb.

    Comment by Didi Orallo — 4/25/2008 @ 10:52 pm

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