Lilly bulbs in pots - should I dig up? (Had red beetles this year)

[sairejayne]

I am a very amature garden and enjoy growing lillys in containers on my patio.
I have had red/scarlett lilly beetles for the first time this year. I did kill eggs, larva and adults when I saw them, but I think they must be in the soil as one plant didn't even grow (just a small nawed stump emerged).
What should I do? (I normally leave in soil over winter and they emerge the following spring/summer no problems) Worried they might all get eaten - but how do I store if I dig them up.
Any help advise very much appreciated! I am a complete noivice so please explain any technical terms.
Thanks

[askyourgran]

I had some lillies in pots for quite a while. Eventually I had to throw out all the soil, thoroughly wash the pots inside and out, and the on the patio stones where they were standing. It's better to start over again with new bulbs, I managed to save half a dozen bulbs.

[woofgang]

I would turn the whole lot out and start again as it would be easy for eggs to be hiding in the lily scales. If you do decide to keep the bulbs you have, then turn out the pots, thrown the soil away...in the rubbish not on a compost heap, get rid of it and replant the bulbs in fresh soil in washed pots. provado is one of the few things that controls lily beetle but its strong stuff and you may not want to use it.

[sairejayne]

Oh no - I was hoping I wouldn't have to get rid of them (I have around 20 plants)
Is there a way to check the scales to find them and kill them?

[dennisb66]

Also Saire when the plants have died off you should lie the pots on thier side over winter,this prevents water logging.I always lay mine at the back of the shed and so far have never had any problems.

[woofgang]

the eggs will be tiny and covered in earth. I think that provado do a water in version but I would still change the soil

[jomifl]

One of the biggest pests of lilies as well as lily beetles is vine weevils their grubs live in the soil over winter and eat the lily from the outside so they are easy to find. Dig up the bubs and brush them clean and overwinter them in a cool dark place. Next year use 'PROVADO' systemic insecticide, it aint cheap but it works and one application should be enough.

[woofgang]

apparently its larvae in the soil not eggs
http://www.rhs.org.uk...Lily-beetle-continued

and provado ultimate bug killer is the stuff to use
http://www.bayergarde...ynews.aspx?news_id=36

[sairejayne]

I did buy a couple of new bulbs this year (one of which didn't grow - was just eaten) so maybe the little critters arrived through these new bulbs??
I will chuck the soil in the bin and totally clean pots and patio area.
I know there may still be some eggs etc in the bulbs, but really want to try save them, how do I store them? Wraped in newspaper? (Sorry if this sounds really ignorant - but I am a total gardening novice).
I will definately get some Provado - Is it easily obtained from places such as garden centre/B & Q or Wilkos or do I need to purchase on-line?
Thanks everyone for all your advise - It is very much appreciated!!

[carlton23]

I had a few beetles last year and dispensed them with a size 9 and this year I haven`t seen any, and my lilies have been wonderful.

[woofgang]

put the lilies back in then pots in new just damp soil and store under cover or wrapped in bubble wrap. Mae sure you keep the rain out.

[jomifl]

You can propagate lilies by breaking off some scales and putting them in a poly bag with some damp peat, they will produce roots and shoots and can be potted on.

[rosyrussell]

Bear in mind that slugs and snails are very partial to lilies - you might find that the gnawed stump was due to that rather than lily beetles. In my experience as long as you spray the new growth with provado, and stay vigilant, you will be fine. The eggs are laid on the leaves when the plant is in full growth. The larvae do not go to ground until they pupate, and they dont feed on the bulbs. I tend not to bother about lifting the bulbs or drying them - I would just put the pots in a dryish sheltered spot (greenhouse if you have one) and bring them out when they start to show signs of growth. Treat them with Provado from early spring as indicated on the bottle, and watch out for those snails and slugs!