Question
Hello!  I would like to know when is the best time to divide toad lilies, and how often?  This is their first year of bloom, and they're absolutely stunning!  I live in zone 6.  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Lilly,
  If your toad lily clump needs dividing, do so in the early spring before they break dormancy.
  Toad lilies need a shady, moist area to do their best. They prefer a rich, organic soil. They are plants that need several years to fulfill their best potential. They normally bloom the first year, but often on only one stem. They need several years to spread and form a nice vigorous clump to make an impact.
  The plants can be propagated from cuttings, seeds or divided rhizomes. The seeds germinate easily if they are given a cold, moist treatment for several weeks before planting. Most gardeners will buy their Toad Lilies as bare rhizomes or as potted plants.

  Enrich your soil when dividing.  Add gypsum for aeration, sand, cedar mulch (finely ground), compost and either any variety of bulb food or "Millorganite", an organic fertilizer found at nurseries (not found in all states).

Sijka