Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to grow a lily in a Container


You will need: Lily bulb, Pot, Multi-purpose Compost, Watering Can

Lilies come in a wide variety of sizes and colours and they provide a stunning display in the garden. If you would rather grow them individually or are restricted for gardening space, they will grow very well in containers.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to grow a lily in a Container

Lay a small piece of newspaper in the base of the pot. This stops compost falling out of the drainage hole, lets water drain out and prevents insects, like vine weevils, from climbing in. Add a layer of fresh, sterile compost.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to grow a lily in a Container

Check your lily for any signs of rotting or damage. Snap off any damaged scales by bending them back away from the centre so that there is a clean break.

Step 3

Step 3 of How to grow a lily in a Container

How deep you plant the bulb depends on its size. As a rule of thumb, it should be planted three times deeper than the bulb itself is high. Check the instructions with the bulb, though, as some lilies need planting at the surface of the compost.

Step 4

Step 4 of How to grow a lily in a Container

Fill the pot with compost and water well to settle it around the bulb. Taller varieties of lily may need staking to support them as they grow.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Gardens of Versailles
Versailles, France

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Bangalore, India



Watch a Video!

Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?
Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?
How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?
How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?
Training Sweet Peas
Training Sweet Peas
How do I prune lavender?
How do I prune lavender?
How do I protect my grapes from insects?
How do I protect my grapes from insects?