Home > Projects >

How to: Lily Scaling

You will need: Lily Bulb, Plastic Bag, Tie, Cuttings Compost, Potting Compost, Pots

Lily scaling is a simple, easy way to increase your number of lily bulbs and still get flowers from the original bulb.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

To remove the scales bend them gently outwards away from the bulb so that they snap off right at the base. Discard any damaged outer scales. You can remove up to 60% of the scales from a bulb and it will still flower.

Step 2

Mix the healthy scales 50:50 with moist, fresh, sterile cuttings compost.

Step 3

Place the mixture in a plastic bag, tie the top loosely and place in a warm, dark spot such as cupboard. Check weekly for any signs of mould and remove scales as necessary.

Step 4

The new bulbils will resemble grains of rice as they develop. When you can see new roots emerging the scales are ready to be potted in fresh, sterile potting compost.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

What is a Nematode?

Joy of Spring at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show!

10 Downing Street Garden Opens for One Unique Weekend

Jacksons Fencing introduces Jaksun™ Solar Fence Panel

Gardening Projects for April

---

How to turf a lawn

How to sow large seed

How to prick off

How to grow a lily in a Container

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How to Grow Orchids

Planting Vegetables in Succession

Rooting Cuttings

Potting On Small Roses

Growing Begonias

Apples in Spring

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gardens of Versailles
Versailles, France

Eram Garden
Shiraz, Iran

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses, Mauritius

Gardens of the Generalife, Alhambra
Granada, Spain

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Melbourne, Australia