oriental lilies

[fartalot]

i have grown oriental lilies in large pots, but in the second year have very few blooms, despite feeding well. has anyone any tips? thanks in advance

[Clanad]

I just bet you cut the stems and lfowers last year, didn't you? If so, you'll get few blooms in the succeeding season. Just like tulips, leave the stems, flowers and leaves to die back naturally. I you have to have cut flowers for display, reserve a pot in which you repeatedly sow new bulbs each fall, removing the older ones for planting in you general garden...

[shylock73]

I agree with our American friend, but this also applys to all flowers like tulips and daffodils. Too many people cut them down too soon. Leave them for at least six weeks or lift and transplant in a spare part of your garden and cover until they die right back, then sprinkle yellow sulphor over them to prevent rot, put in a net in the shed or garage until needed again in September or later for tulips