Question
Hi, I live in the Philippines and I bought 5 stargazer lilies, the care instructions that I pestered the shop owner for included the ff: Once the flowers fall off, cut the stem, dig up, keep dry for a week, refrigerate for a month replant. I even showed him the bulbs, which grew/split while underground( I waited until the leaves turned brown )But the bulbs are not looking so good and I read in a forum that they shouldn't dry out and that it may have been better to leave them potted/underground. We have no fall/frost/spring, seasons are: WET, Relatively dry and relatively cool(ber months, with November/December and January being cool months)and dry and hot(summer= March, April and May.)What should I do and if the bulbs survive when do I know I can replant? Thank you.

Answer
Only annual bulbs, such as cannas, should be lifted, split, and stored in a cool location covered by peat moss. The peat moss must be kept moist, otherwise the bulbs dry out.

Keep in mind that most lillies are perennials, and can withstand frost. I live in a climate where the temperatures often fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. My lillies are now over 10 year old and always bloom again the following spring. Based on your climate, the bulbs should not have been removed.

If the bulbs you lifted are soft, they are no longer viable. If not, store them as I suggested and replant again early next spring.

Good luck, and please write again if i can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike