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Cottage Gardens

Is it too late?? (peonies and lilies)

17 years ago

Hi everybody!! Been so busy that I haven't had time to post (again!!) for a looooooong time. However, I recieved a big box in the mail a week or so back and I finally found time to open it and examine the contents yesterday. I discovered that it contained about 40 asiatic lily bulbs and at least a half a dozen peony tubers that I had forgotten I'd ordered from Breck's (perhaps because I ordered them last JUNE!). So now I'm wondering...is it safe to plant them? They are in the typical plastic packaging with peat or something like that. it's been quite warm here, but from what I hear it is supposed to snow tomorrow (I'll believe it when I see it). The weather here is so strange and can vary drastically from day to day...20's one day and then 60 or so the next. My daylilies are actually sprouting new growth (another topic for a totally different post, I'm sure). So anyways, before I get too OT, can anyone tell me what they think about the peony/lily situation? I'm afraid to make a move without advice from all of you!!

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Comments (4)

rian
17 years ago
Don't know anything about lilies, but put the peonies into the ground right now. You can soak them while you dig the hole if they seem a little dry. There are planting directions with them, right? Otherwise, you can look on the peony forum. They should do fine. What varieties did you get?
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PattiOH
17 years ago
Hi Holliwog! Nice to hear from you, you've been missed!

I think it would be a very good idea to post to the Lilies Forum, but in case you don't have time or have trouble receiving answers here is what I've learned about lilies in general and have practiced in my own gardens with good success:

* Make sure the bulbs are fresh when they arrive

* If you can't plant them right away, wrap them in damp newspaper until you are able to get them in the ground (which should be asap)

* They are best planted in early fall at least "wrist deep". Trumpets need to go even deeper.

I'm in zone 5 so that may be different advice than for your zone 7.

Good luck!
PattiOh
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memo3
17 years ago
I'd plant 'em. What have you got to loose?

MeMo
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Hollywog
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks guys...I'm going to go plant them now. It's pretty warm here today, and if I don't get it done this weekend It'll be quite a while before I can get to it again. We leave for vacation next week and then I'll be starting a new job, so it's now or never! I'm not really sure where I want them to go, but I guess I'll just pop them in the ground for now and I can always move them later...right?! That's the way for most newbies in my gardens!
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