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Stargazer lilies

I would like to know how to care for an oriental lily such as a Stargazer lily?

 

stargazer lily

Oriental lilies such as Stargazer  (red & white) or Casablanca (pure white) are easy to care for once they are established in your flower bed. Plant them in full sun in well-drained fertile but not soggy soil. They will tolerate some light shade as well. In hot climates they prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant in early spring or fall 3 times the depth of the bulb (6-8″).  Add a teaspoon of bone meal to the bottom of the hole. Fertilize twice a year, once in spring and again just before blooming.  The sweet scented lilies bloom from mid to late summer ( July-Sept).

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December 28th, 2006 | Category: BULBS & TUBERS, Bulbs, Lilies | 59 comments
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59 comments to Stargazer lilies

  • Kris
    October 5th, 2006 at 7:12 am · Reply

    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.

  • Kris
    October 5th, 2006 at 7:13 am · Reply

    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.

  • Kris
    October 5th, 2006 at 7:19 am · Reply

    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.

  • Kris
    October 5th, 2006 at 7:31 am · Reply

    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

    .

  • James McCune
    November 10th, 2006 at 8:21 am · Reply

    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.

    Start lilies from seed.
    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

  • Sue A. Bulakli
    November 21st, 2006 at 3:38 pm · Reply

    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.

  • Mary Slusher
    February 20th, 2007 at 8:59 am · Reply

    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.

  • Lauren
    June 15th, 2007 at 1:23 am · Reply

    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.

  • Linda
    August 2nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm · Reply

    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.

  • Corinne
    September 26th, 2007 at 2:45 pm · Reply

    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.

  • Cindy
    October 27th, 2007 at 9:51 am · Reply

    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.

  • mary
    March 1st, 2008 at 6:55 pm · Reply

    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.

  • Marge
    March 20th, 2008 at 6:01 am · Reply

    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.

  • DEE
    March 24th, 2008 at 2:37 pm · Reply

    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

    .

  • Tamara
    March 27th, 2008 at 12:18 am · Reply

    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.

  • Jenn
    March 30th, 2008 at 7:02 am · Reply

    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.

  • Didi Orallo
    April 25th, 2008 at 10:52 pm · Reply

    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.

  • Laurie
    May 21st, 2008 at 8:38 am · Reply

    Stargazer for a wedding
    I am planning to have stargazer lilies for a wedding on June 14, 2008. I will be picking up the flowers on Wednesday and the wedding is on Saturday. I need to know how to force open the bloom if they are not open.. Do you have any suggestions?
    Thanks for your assistance.
    Laurie

    Hi Laurie,
    It’s a good idea to pick them up a few days before the wedding. If the buds are tight, recut the stems and place them in lukewarm water with cut flower food. Warmer water will open then faster. Also another trick used in flower shops is to place a plastic bag over the whole bucket of stems to increase the humidity and warmth-that may not be necessary in June. When the flowers start to open, remove the pollen from the stamens. This will keep the flowers longer and avoid any pollen stains. If the lilies start to open too fast place them in a cooler environment away from light. Congratulations and good luck. Hope your flowers will be fabulous.

  • Patsy
    May 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pm · Reply

    I bought 2 stargazer lilies from Lowe’s already about to bloom. I planted them in a cement planter and they started blooming real well. The flowers are now dying and I’ve noticed some of the buds have fallen off before they opened up. They are planted on my front porch with morning sun and afternoon shade. I’m not sure if they’re getting enough sun. Also, can I leave them in the planters through the winter. I live in southeast Alabama.

    Hi Patsy
    Stargazer lilies like full sun but need cool roots. It sounds lilke they have enough sun. They only bloom once a year, so once they are done, all you will have is a green plant. Make sure it continues to grow all season to rebuild the bulb. Your stargazer lilies should survive the winter in your planters.

  • Erica
    June 4th, 2008 at 2:45 pm · Reply

    So… let me see if I have this straight. (first time trying to grow a houseplant). I have 3 stalks of stargazers in a pot indoors. They have all bloomed. One of them has turned brown and the leaves have fallen off, and the other two are on their way. Should I cut the stalks back to soil-level? Then should I place the pot in a cool place and keep it moist, or plant them outside for the summer? If I plant them outside, can I then replant them in a pot and bring them back in next season? I’d really like to keep them as houseplants. Thanks!

    Hi Erica
    Cut off the stems to the soil line when it is brown. Be sure the plant dies back naturally and not from too wet soil. It would be better and easier to plant them outdoors if you can as many bulb type of plants may not preform as well the following year. If you do, you can dig it up after summer and replant. It will need to be stored in the frig for 8 wks. Be sure to mark the area where you put the bulb, it may be difficult to find later on.
    If you prefer to save it in the pot keep it in a cool place, barely moist during their dormant period and when ready, repot in fresh soil and then store it in the frig for 8 wks. Another option is to remove the bulb from the pot, wash off the soil and place it in slightly damp peat moss or wood shavings and store in the frig. Stargazer lilies don’t have an outer protective coating so they should be kept slightly moist or they will dry up. They also need a cold dormant period called vernalization (8 wks @ 35-36F) before they start to grow again-that’s why the frig. If it was left in the ground over winter, then mother nature does the job.

  • Kim
    June 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm · Reply

    I just planted two Stargazer lilies a month ago. Both plants bloomed and now all the leaves have turned brown and fallen off. The flowers have fallen off too. At first, I thought some animal or insect was eating the plant b/c the leaves fell off so very quickly. Is it possible for these Stargazers to have already fully bloomed until next year? I thought they would last a lot longer than this. I live in O’Fallon, Missouri. Please help!

    HI Kim
    Did you buy them in a container already blooming? When Stargazer lilies bloom the fragrance and flower are spectacular. Unfortunately, the bloom only lasts about 2 weeks or a bit longer in cooler temperatures. The foliage on the plant should continue to stay green and grow in order to produce more nutrients for next years bloom. It’s possible that there was a problem with the growing conditions such as hot sun, poor soil drainage or too much rain resulting in soggy soil that caused the leaves to drop so quickly. They only bloom once a year. All you can hope for is that the bulb is healthy enough (no rotten) to return next year.

  • Nora
    June 28th, 2008 at 10:29 am · Reply

    I bought three stargazer bulb clumps in mid May. When I removed them from the packaging all three had shoots. Two of the three were broken. I planted all three in pots and only the unbroken one grew. The one is now about 2 ft tall (in one month-wow!) with four tiny buds. I’ve noticed these white tiny star shaped wisps all over the plant. What are they? Secondly, what should I do about the bulbs that didn’t re-sprout?

    Hi Nora
    I’m not sure what those whisps are. The bulbs that didn’t re-sprout most likely will not grow again.

  • Kris Kohn
    July 14th, 2008 at 4:56 pm · Reply

    I have been growing a varietly of asiatic/oriental hybrids for a couple of years. This year I had one of the lilies turn yellow and die. Now I have a couple of lilies starting to turn yellow before they have bloomed. They get full sun almost the whole day, I only water in the morning and I have sprayed for aphids. I am purplexed as to what is happening. Any help is greatly appreciated!

    Have you had a lot of rain in the spring/summer or is it dry? It sounds like there’s a bulb/root problem. If the roots get too wet then they will rot. On the other hand, lilies like their heads in the sun and roots nice and cool.

  • Angela Totel
    July 16th, 2008 at 6:52 am · Reply

    My oriental lillies are getting brown tips before they even open and once the do open they look yucky because of the brown tips. What am I doing wrong?

    Hi Angela
    Are you overhead watering? Spraying the buds? They are susceptible to a gray mold (Botrytis) fungus in wet humid weather. see http://www.plantlilies.com/read/botrytis.html

  • debra
    July 21st, 2008 at 12:59 am · Reply

    How many years do SG lily last? Does cutting bouquets hurt them or reduce the amount for the next year?
    Also does cutting off the anthers ( pollen) reduce the scent and if it does How?

    HI Debra
    Stargazer lilies can last for several years. They may decline (like tulips) after a few years of bloom. After a few years the bulbs form deeper in the soil and need to be dug up and replanted higher so that they don’t spend most of their energy pushing their way up the soil.
    Cutting them for bouquets may reduce their rebloom slightly but you can make up for that by fertilizing the plants when they start to grow again. Removing the anthers help keep the flower longer because it eliminates the possibility of pollination. If the flower is not pollinated it will last longer and will not produce seeds. Anthers do not affect the smell of the flower.

  • debra
    July 24th, 2008 at 5:03 am · Reply

    Thanks for your answers but they raised a few more questions.
    I planted well over 35 SG about 6 years ago. I never cut them for bouquets for the first 4 years. That’s when I noticed a sharp decline in production. I assumed planting 35 would bring back 35.
    But thats the fun of gardening, you never know what to expect, and I should have never assumed.
    I think I cut the stems far too long and didn’t leave enough for re-germination. Also many of the stems that came back in the same place are now only 6″-8″ tall, instead of the 3 1/2 feet they usually are.
    I was told to NEVER let the seed pods grow as it steals nutrients from the main bulb.
    I did it one year and saved the seeds for seed exchange. Many people really want to start these from seed.
    I got the idea of scent removal by anther removal from YOUR column! Read above, its one of your answers, lol!
    So, I guess spring would be the best time to pull up the bulbs for re-planting higher? I live in Zone7 and am afraid there isn’t time for regrowth before we get a deep freeze.
    Love this site, thanks for being there for all of us ‘needy’ questioning gardeners,
    Debra

  • Mary
    July 25th, 2008 at 5:03 pm · Reply

    I have had Stargazer for the last couple of years and they have been beautiful and full of scent and deep pink. This year they are yellow, also beautiful, but no scent. What is wrong with them.

    Hi Mary
    It doesn’t sound like the same plant. There is a Golden stargazer lily that is an Orienpet- a cross between Trumpet/Aurelian and Oriental hybrid and is less fragrant. Is it possible that you unknowingly planted both and only the yellow ones survived this year?

  • Jody
    July 27th, 2008 at 1:49 pm · Reply

    My husband bought me a stargazer lily back in March. After reading the comments on this site I let it die back after it flowered and then stored the bulb in the fridge in the original pot and soil that it came in. I just noticed today that there is a 2″ shoot coming out of the soil. I’m wondering what I should do now. Is it safe to repot it now in a larger pot with fresh soil or my yard or should I leave it be. I do have access to a yard that receives morning sun and afternoon shade (I live in southeast Wisconsin) that I could plant it in, although I may prefer keeping it in a pot on the balcony. What are my best options?
    Thanks!

    Hi Jody
    Your stargazer liliy has come out of dormancy and wants to grow. You can repot it in fresh soil and grow it indoors or plant it in the garden in morning sun. I think your best option is to plant it outdoors, sometimes when bulbs are pot forced, they don’t bloom as well because of all the energy they use to bloom. It may not bloom again this year but should bloom next year in July.

  • Jodi
    July 28th, 2008 at 10:31 am · Reply

    Cut flowers
    I have read all the above submissions and I have a lingering question. We have, for years, been saving fully matured, but unopened peony buds wrapped in newspaper and stored in the fridge for blooms as late as late-July. I was wondering if there was a way to similarly preserve mature, but unopened Stargazer buds for a few blooms after my plants have finished? Thanks so much!

    Hi Jodi
    I have not tried it but I think it would work the same way you do your peony buds. Growers pick lilies in the closed bud stage and by the time the florist gets them a week or more may have passed and they are in still in the bud stage waiting for water. Keep them in a cool, humid environment, wrapped in newsplaper or breathable plastic sleeve, away from any ethylene gases and it should work. Let me know what happens.

  • Laura
    July 29th, 2008 at 5:09 am · Reply

    My father recently over the weekend bought me a stargazer Lilly. I planted it in my flower garden with my other perennials. I noticed this morning that three petals have fallen off and the other petals are turning brown. I planted it with top soil mixed with manure. I Love this flower and hope that it is not dying, any help would be helpful.

    Hi Laura
    It’s better to leave the flowering plants in the container until they are finished blooming. Plants should not be disturbed when they are in bloom or the first thing to go is the flowers. The leaves will die back (leaves will turn brown) and put new reserves into the bulb for next year.

  • Nicole
    October 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm · Reply

    Hi! I just got a Stargazer lily as a gift. We had an unusually warm Sept. and so it was in full bloom. Now it is starting to die. I have it indoors right now as the weather is raining and terrible and I don’t know if that will kill it because it needs a lot of sunlight. There are still 3 flowers left, but the rest have died. What is the best step to take. I live in Victoria, and if I were to plant it it’s have to be in a pot outside because I live in an Apartment. Thanks!

    Hi Nicole
    The rest of the stargazer lilies should open. Best you can do is to keep it in a sunny window and let it die back on its own. Store the bulb and replant in the spring in fresh soil outdoors. Forced bulbs may not bloom the following year in a container as too much energy is used up when they are forced in a pot.

  • Marquita
    November 6th, 2008 at 1:34 pm · Reply

    Are Stargazer lilies poisonous to humans? If not could they be placed Wedding Cakes?

    Hi Marquita
    Some lilies(Easter lily) are listed as being poisonous to animals if ingested. The deer eat my stargazer lily flowers, so they must be ok for some animals. If you want to use them on you wedding cake you will need to make sure the flowers were not sprayed with chemicals. In order to safely use the flowers on your wedding cake, be sure to wash off any chemical residue and place a barrier on the cake before you place the flowers on it.

  • Miho Bearnson
    November 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm · Reply

    I am thinking about growing stargazer lilies in my back yard. I live in Arizona and USDA 9. Do Stargazer lilies grow where I live? I love this flower and I ‘d like to try, but my area gets very hot and dry in summer (May-Oct). Will you tell me when I need to get the bulbs and how to store in the fridge and for how long. When should I plant if I want them to bloom before it gets too hot (early spring-March or April). I’d like to plant in the north side of the house (in the shade and no direct sun light in winter, but spring to summer we have morning sun light and afternoon shade.) I ‘d like to know when is the best time to dig out and keep in the fridge. Now it is late Nov. Is it too late to start?

    Hi Miho
    Stargazer lilies are hardy in zones 3-10 some sources say 4-9 so you should have no problem growing them. You can plant the bulbs now or as soon as you get them. You don’t need to store them in the fridge as long as you plant them right away. The bulbs should not be allowed to dry out. Storing is recommended for folks that live in colder climates and cannot plant the bulbs because the ground is frozen or for some other reason cannot be planted immediately. Morning sun and afternoon shade is best and make sure the soil has good drainage.

  • Phy
    December 1st, 2008 at 4:04 am · Reply

    I live in Southweast Asia where there is no winter, after all the leaves have fallen off, should I store the bulbs in the ref for 8 weeks or can I just leave it in the pot and water normally?

    Hi Phy
    Stargazer lilies need a cold dormant period at least in the low 40’sF for 6-8 weeks, so you may have to refrigerate them if your soil doesn’t get cool enough. If they were forced in a pot, they should be replanted in the ground. It takes longer for forced bulbs to rebuild and rebloom. They may not bloom this year.

  • molly g
    December 13th, 2008 at 5:40 pm · Reply

    Im in hawaii and I had planted 26 Stargazer lilies in my flopwers bed in Oct and its been raining for a month straight and I only saw 1 blub spouted…what happen to the rest? what should I do? thank you

    HI Molly
    Dig up one of the bulbs and see what is happening. There’s a good chance that they are rotting from too much water. They do not tolerate wet conditions.

  • Molly G
    February 1st, 2009 at 11:21 pm · Reply

    hi. I dug it up and its rotted… from 26 to 15 left. so I replanted on a new lilies bed. how deep should I put it? I have other lilies which I took out from the frige.I soak it in water and drain it. it took me a week before I get to plant it.. will it grow? and how long will it take??

    Hi Molly
    Plant the bulbs 3 times the depth of the bulb- 6-8″ deep. Make sure your flower bed has good drainage. You may need to make a raised bed (6-8″ high) to allow for good drainage.

  • LiSaV
    February 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm · Reply

    When I cut back my stargazer lilies in the fall, there seemed to be a few new sprouts growing toward the bottom of the stalk. They kind of look like new bulbs. Is that what they are? How do I care for them?

    Second question: I broke up a bulb by breaking off its parts (part of it was rotting), put it in the fridge for a few months, then, when I took it out and placed them in a wet paper towel, each piece started growing what looks like a new bulb. How do I care for these?
    Thanks!

    HI Lisa
    They are stem bulblets, (baby bulbs)growing from the base of the stems and scales bulblets. The latter requires 6-12 wks of refrigeration (which you did) . You can replant both in separate containers until spring and then in your flower bed. It takes 2-3 years to get them to bloom.

  • Alfredo
    February 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am · Reply

    Cut flowers
    Hi I bought some stargazer lilies for my wife for valentine’s day and I bought them a couple of days early. I left them out of water for about a day. They do not look so great. Any suggestions?

    HI Alfredo,
    Re-cut 1/2 inch off the bottom of the stem and place in lukewarm water with some floral preservative in it. Place the Stargazer bouquet in a cool, dark area for a few hours so it has time to drink.

  • Molly
    February 28th, 2009 at 12:02 am · Reply

    Hi. my bulbs started to sprouted but my big dog walk over it and snapped the lilies. I tried to put dirt under it so it will stay up…will it make it?

    hi molly
    It depends on how far along the stargazer lilies sprouted. If the main sprout was broken off then there is a chance that it will not survive. I would wait and see what happens.

  • Dorian
    March 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am · Reply

    Hello - great site!

    I am a total gardening novice and I just bought six stargazer lily bulbs from a flower show. I live in south Jersey and its still cold here. The instructions that came with the lillies said to plant the bulbs within two weeks or as soon as possible. Should I be planting the bulbs outside, or do I need to plant them in pots first and keep them inside until it warms up? Also, do you have any suggestions for a book or website with really basic information on how to garden (I totally don’t know what I’m doing!).
    thank you so much for your help!

    Hi Dorian
    Welcome to the world of gardening. Be careful, you might get hooked.
    It’s always best to plant stargazer lilies 10 days after you get them. To store lily bulbs for a short amount of time, place them in a mesh bag with damp (not wet) peat, moistened shredded newspaper or spagnum moss. The bulb and roots must not dry out or it will die. You don’t want to keep them too wet or that will rot the bulb. Store this bag in a refrigerator or garage. Keep away from fruits and veggetables as the ethylene gas they emit can damage the flower inside the bulb. The other option is to plant them in pots until the soil outdoors is dry enough to dig.
    There are lots of basic gardening books out there. The “Big book of Gardening Skills” by Garden way publishing m is one. Page through some of the many books available and see which one gives you the best information for your needs. You can also click on the many topics (right column) we have on our site for more information. Have fun gardening!

  • Agaelicgirl
    April 2nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm · Reply

    i was given a potted stargazer and i transplanted it cuz it was root bound. now all the petals are falling off and the leaves…..did i kill it? it was doing fine

    Hi
    You should have left well enough alone. Next time transplant after the stargazer lily is done blooming.

  • Amery
    April 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm · Reply

    I just bought some stargazer lilies and I was wondering if i could start them inside and then treansplant them in my garden in may? I live in Wyoming and it really doesnt get warm here until end of april and sometime not till the middle of may

    Hi Amery
    You can plant them ahead of time in containers or plant them directly in the garden. Stargazer lilies bloom in July so they would have enough time to grow.

  • Jackie
    April 15th, 2009 at 7:54 am · Reply

    My DH and I planted 3 stargazer lily bulbs last Spring, but then we must have forgotten what we planted and where, because we planted phlox real close, almost on top of them. This year the phlox has spread and my DH thought that the 2 lilies that were sprouting were keeping the phlox from blooming well, so he dug one of the bulbs up and pulled the stem before he had the bulb completely dug. So, the stem broke off from the bulb. When he replanted the bulb, he just stuck the stem back onto it and put the dirt around it. My first question is, will this lily keep growing like this? (It’s been a few days and it hasn’t died) Also, if not, will this ruin the bulb and keep it from growing back next year? My last questions are about my 3rd bulb that didn’t come back up. I’m afraid that the phlox has grown over the bulb and is now shading it. Could this be why it didn’t sprout this year? Like it’s not getting sun? Should I find it and replant it? If I do, will it still bloom this year?

    Hi Jackie
    Since the stem was removed from the bulb which is the source of nutrients for the stem will not grow. I doubt that the bulb will grow again next year. The whole life cycle was destroyed. In regards to your 3rd bulb. There can be many reasons why it did not sprout this year. Too much shade, and competition from the phlox. I you can find it, replant it in a better spot. If it had a good growing season last year then you may have a chance of it reblooming this year.

  • Hurdon Hastings
    May 2nd, 2009 at 9:46 am · Reply

    Hello. We planted some Asiatic lilies about 3 years ago. We need to thin them back some and pull off any bulblets. What season is the best time to do this? I have read sources that say either Spring or Autumn. Will doing this in the Spring hurt the bulbs/plants? Thank you.

    HI Hurdon
    Yes, you can thin them in the spring but do it before they get too far along. The sooner the better.

  • Dorian
    May 9th, 2009 at 6:03 am · Reply

    Hi! Well, I successfully planted my lily bulbs and they have grown beautifully in their sunny spot on the edge of our flower bed. And then my husband ran over one with the lawn mower - totally decapitated the the top of what had been about 8-inch stalk. Will it continue to grow this season? Is there any chance it will bloom?

    Hi Dorian
    Sorry, it’s done for the season. It may or may not come back next year-once the growth is removed there is nothing to replenish the bulb for next year.

  • Anne
    May 13th, 2009 at 3:14 pm · Reply

    I planted stargazer lilies into my garden from pots two years ago and the plant comes up very healthy and full of leaves, but never has blooms. What should I be doing to make it have flowers? I did fertilize it this year also.

    HI Anne
    Some of the reason why they fail to bloom is 1. too much shade 2. soil is too rich with nitrogen fertilizer. Since yours is healthy and growing vigorously I would suspect too much fertilizer.

  • Nancy
    May 17th, 2009 at 10:01 am · Reply

    Cut flowers
    I am new to this lily thing. I purchased some stargazer lilies from the greenhouse and replanted them in a raised bed on the side of my house. I love the lilys and want to be able to enjoy them inside. Is this possible, to cut the blooms and enjoy them indoors and can I do this without hurting the plant? How and when should I cut the blooms; before they are opened or after and where on the plant do I cut? Each plant has about 10 blooms on them, some have opened and others haven’t yet. Thanks for the help.

    HI Nancy
    When cutting lilies to bring inside leave 1/2 to 2/3 of the stem of the plant so it can rebuild the bulb. For miximum enjoyment, cut them when they are just about to open .
    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.

  • Tracy
    May 17th, 2009 at 4:00 pm · Reply

    Planting potted lilies
    The church just gave our graduates a luncheon and had potted Stargazer lilies on the tables. Each graduate was allowed to take his/her lily home. Of course, my stepson could care less. I, however, LOVE this flower. There are two stalks…one has two blooms and 3 buds that are going to bloom…the other has three blooms and 3 buds that are going to bloom. It is May in central Mississippi. Should I transplant them to the yard now? Should I leave them inside for a while? I don’t want to lose them. Please advise. Thanks!!

    HI Tracy
    I would leave them inside and enjoy the flowers. Once they are done blooming, plant them in your yard in well-drained soil and let the leaves continue to grow for the season. They will not bloom again this year but look for them next year.

  • Maria
    May 21st, 2009 at 6:23 am · Reply

    After transplanting a stargazer lily outdoors, to maximize regrowth next year, should I cut it back - if so, when & how much should be left showing above ground?

    Hi Maria
    You should not cut anything off the stargazer lily. The foliage has to dieback and turn brown to maximize regrowth. Remove the stem when it turns brown.

  • Sidney
    May 28th, 2009 at 4:37 pm · Reply

    I have a pot of stargazer lilies that are just coming up. something is eating on them during the night. any ideas for pests and pest control?

    Hi Sidney
    It’s hard to say what could be eating your lilies. Are they eating the leaves, flower buds? It could be large critter like deer or insects like slugs, earwigs. My guess is deer. They love new emerging foliage-spray the plant with a deer repellant. Here’s a recipe

  • Alice Hayworth
    June 4th, 2009 at 8:56 am · Reply

    how do you get rid of poison ivy growing in my lilies

    Hi Alice
    You can’t use any herbicide around your lilies so the only thing I can think of is good rubber gloves and digging out the poison ivy, then discarding the gloves and being careful when changing your gardening clothes. Dress appropriately,wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to take off, you don’t want to contanimate your skin while you are removing your clothes. Don’t wear shorts and sleeveless shirt to do this. You can try painting the herbicide directly on the leaves of the poison ivy being careful not to drip on the lilies. Another idea is to wait till the lilies have died back to the ground and then spray them with an herbicide or Roundup. Unfortunately that will be later in the season.

  • Carolyn
    June 7th, 2009 at 8:37 pm · Reply

    My star gazer lilies are about 2 feet tall with buds on them. Yesterday, while muching around them, I broke two stems almost at the base.. If I put the stems in a vase of water, will they bloom? Will the bulbs bloom again next year??

    HI Carolyn
    If the buds on the stem are developed enough, they should bloom. It may be iffy whether the bulbs will bloom next year. If the get enough nutrients back to the bulb from the leaves, then they may bloom next year. If not then you may get a leafy plant and perhaps blooms the following year.

  • tiffany
    June 9th, 2009 at 6:37 pm · Reply

    i have planted stargazer lilies, calla lilies, and day lilies, i’ve heard that i need to dig up the bulbs of the calla lillies at the end of the season but what about stargazer lilies? i live in Michigan. and i love lilies they are obviously a favorite of mine any other tips for me or suggestions?

    Hi Tiffany
    The only one you have to dig up is the calla lilies, they are not hardy in Michigan. Stargazers & day lillies should survive the winter.

  • Mary
    June 11th, 2009 at 10:48 am · Reply

    Great topic. I was about to destroy my new Stargazer lily plant. So, now I’ll wait until it is done blooming, then plant it in a deer-safe location. My problem is that I have heavy clay soil and need to amend it to get “well-drained”. What do you recommend I add to the soil, and how deep should I prepare the soil?

  • Renee
    June 15th, 2009 at 2:54 pm · Reply

    Divide lilies
    My Stargazer lillies that I planted last year multipled tremendously this year. When and how can I separate them?

    HI Renee
    You can separate them after the foliage dies back-late summer/fall or early spring.

  • jessica
    June 15th, 2009 at 5:47 pm · Reply

    I planted three stargazer lily bulbs about 3 weeks ago. I dont know how long it takes to see some kind of growth but so far it still looks da same. Shouldnt it have grown at least a little? i hope it grows

    Give it a little more time.

  • Bridget
    June 17th, 2009 at 10:57 am · Reply

    Renee,

    I have found the best time to separate them is after a 1-2 day rain as the bulbs are much healthery and can be separated much easier.

  • Barbara Mallernee
    June 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 pm · Reply

    I have two stargazer lily plant and they were both loaded with buds. Something has eaten them down to the ground. I am not quite sure if it would be a squirl, chipmunk or a rabbit.

    Deer could also be a problem. Hopefully, there’s enough of a stem left to help replenish the bulb. If not then there’s a good chance that it will not grow or bloom next year. In the future spray your lilies with a repellant.

  • Tracy
    June 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm · Reply

    Hello,

    I moved last year into a house that has lilies growing in a small garden area. This year, when they came up, many of the buds rotted on the stem before they opened, and the remaining flowers have brown spots on the petals.
    Does anyone know what this could be, and how to prevent it from happening next year? Thanks for any help you can give!

    Have you had a lot of rain lately?

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