Question

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Followup To

Question -
An Easter lily was a gift, I tried to keep it alive.  I repotted it, watered according to the (limted) directions, etc.  It is now on its last leg.  Has turned light green, drooping over.  However, there are some little "bulbs" down in the soil, and they appear viable.  I noticed them when I repotted it.  I wonder if I do something with them would I be able to grow a new plant, or plants, because there are about 6-7.  Or, maybe they are dying too since the plant is dying. Thanks.

Answer -
Lynne,

Easter lilys are outdoor plants that are sold in pots at Easter. They are bulbs, just like tulips which are also sold in pots blooming in the spring. Yes you can plant the bulbs outside in a sunny flower bed and they will sprout in the spring and grow new plants. They need to be fertilized regularly to grow large enough to bloom. They probably will not bloom for a year or two.

The following site will give you more detailed information:

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/easterlily.html

Good luck.

Darlene

FOLLOWUP:
Thanks so much for your reply. Specifically, about the little "bulblets", (each about the size of a marble), there are about 6 down in the soil, well, what can I do with them?  Is it possible that they are still viable even though the main stalk to the lily did not live?  I am most concerned about that, because I was getting ready to chuck it all onto the compost heap when I noticed those little things in the soil.  Thanks again!!

Answer
Lynne,

Yes, the bulblets are viable as long as they are still firm. Plant them just like bulbs, in the spring they should send out foliage but will not bloom for a couple of years since they are small. Fertilize them well so they grow larger to bloom as soon as possible. Just be sure they are planted where you know where they are and remember to fertilize them in the spring. The sooner you plant them the better. Good luck.

Darlene