1. Introduction: What are lilies and why do they want to multiply?
2. Overview of Propagation Methods
3. Division/Splitting
4. Bulbs/Corms
5. Tubers
6. Seeds
7. Runners
8. Bulbils
9. Tissue Culture
10. Advantages of Propagation
11. Conclusion

Do Lilies Multiply?

Lilies are an incredibly popular flower amongst gardeners, with hundreds of varieties available in a huge range of colors, shapes, and sizes. But what makes them so special is that they have evolved to multiply in a number of different ways, giving gardeners the opportunity to grow these beautiful flowers in their own gardens without having to buy new plants every year or two. In this article, we’ll take a look at the six propagation methods available for lilies and how we can use them to our advantage as hobby gardeners.

Overview of Propagation Methods

When it comes to propagating lilies, there are six primary methods available: division/splitting, bulbs/corms, tubers, seeds, runners, bulbils and tissue culture. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages which we’ll discuss in more detail later on in the article; however it’s important to note that not all methods are suitable for all types of lily varieties so it’s best to research which propagation method is best suited for your particular type of lily before you get started.

Division/Splitting

This is probably one of the easiest methods available for propagating lilies as it only involves splitting the root system into two or more parts before replanting them into separate containers or beds with fresh soil mix. This works best with species such as Oriental Lilies and Asiatic Lilies as their root systems tend to be shallow and easy to separate without damaging them too much in the process; however this method isn’t suitable for tuberous rooted lily varieties such as Tiger Lilies or Daylillies due to their deep root systems which would be difficult to separate without damaging them beyond repair.

Bulbs/Corms

Similar to division/splitting, bulbs/corms propagation involves separating the small bulbils that form around the mother bulb or corm before replanting them into separate containers or beds with fresh soil mix; however this method is only suitable for certain types of lily varieties such as Tiger Lilies and Daylillies due to their deep root systems which prevent division/splitting from working effectively on them.

Tubers

Tubers propagation is another fairly easy method that involves cutting large sections off the mother tuber before replanting them into separate containers or beds with fresh soil mix – this works best with species such as Oriental Lilies and Asiatic Lilies due to their shallow root systems which make it easier to divide up into multiple sections without damaging them too much in the process; however this method isn’t suitable for tuberous rooted lily varieties such as Tiger Lilies and Daylillies due to their deep root systems which would be difficult to divide up into multiple sections without damaging them beyond repair.

Seeds

Seed propagation requires patience but can be rewarding if done correctly – simply collect some fresh seeds from your favorite lily variety before sowing them directly into a container filled with fresh potting mix; once germinated you can then transplant your new seedlings into larger containers or beds with fresh soil mix after they have developed at least two sets of true leaves (this usually takes around 4-6 weeks). This method works well with most types of lily varieties but can take a while before you see any results so it’s important that you keep an eye on your seedlings during this time in order to ensure they don’t get too big before being transplanted into larger pots or beds outdoors; additionally some types of lily may require cold stratification prior to sowing which will increase germination times significantly (it’s important that you research your particular type of lily prior starting this process).

Runners

Runners propagation involves encouraging existing stems from your existing plants (usually from older plants) to produce new shoots either by pinching off tip growth regularly or by cutting out sections from between nodes along existing stems – these newly formed shoots can then be planted directly into individual containers filled with fresh potting mix where they will eventually develop roots before being transplanted outdoors once they have developed at least two sets of true leaves (usually takes around 4-6 weeks). This method works well with most types of lily varieties but may take longer than other methods discussed previously so patience is key here!

Bulbils

Bulbils propagation is similar in concept to bulbs/corms propagation but instead involves leaving tiny bulblets (sometimes referred to as “baby bulbs”) attached directly onto existing stems – these bulblets will eventually begin growing roots after being attached onto stems for around 2-4 weeks so once they have done so they can then be carefully detached from the stem and planted directly into individual containers filled with fresh potting mix where they will eventually develop roots before being transplanted outdoors once they have developed at least two sets of true leaves (again usually takes around 4-6 weeks). This method works well on some types of Lily but isn’t suitable for all varieties so again it’s important that you research your particular type prior starting this process!

Tissue Culture

The final propagation method available for Lilies is through tissue culture – essentially this involves taking small samples from existing plants (usually taken from mature stems) and then using these samples along with specialised laboratory equipment in order produce new clones (exact genetic copies) which can then be transplanted directly into individual containers filled with fresh potting mix where they will eventually develop roots before being transplanted outdoors once they have developed at least two sets of true leaves (again usually takes around 4-6 weeks). Whilst this is certainly one of the most advanced methods discussed here today it also offers one potentially huge advantage over other methods discussed previously – namely that because each clone produced through tissue culture is an exact genetic copy any desirable traits exhibited by the parent plant will also be passed down through generations!

Advantages Of Propagation

Propagating your own lilies at home has many advantages over buying new ones each season – not only does it save money but it also allows gardeners more control over their plant selections as every clone produced through propagation contains exactly the same genetics as its parent plant meaning any desirable traits exhibited by parent plants will also be passed down through generations allowing gardeners greater control over how their gardens look! Additionally propagating plants at home also helps reduce stress on wild populations if done responsibly meaning hobby gardeners can do their bit towards helping conserve our natural environment too!

Conclusion

As you can see propagating lilies offers hobby gardeners not only financial savings but also greater control over how their gardens look whilst also helping conserve wild populations if done responsibly! With six different methods available there really should be something suitable for everyone regardless of experience level so why not give one a try today and start enjoying these beautiful flowers in your own backyard?