Daylily Growing Guide

Hemerocallis

Daylily

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Good. Cold tolerance varies with variety, and the hardiest daylilies can survive temperatures to -25F (-32C).

Feeding

Topdress established daylilies with rich compost in early spring, after new growth appears. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer in midsummer to support strong re-blooming.

Companions

Daylilies are often planted among clumps of daffodils, tulips or other spring-flowering bulbs to hide the fading bulb foliage.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 11" (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 7" (50cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Prepare a wide planting hole dug to at least 12in (30cm) deep, and generously enrich the hole with rich compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. Spread out the tubers and plant them so the top of the crown is just below the soil line. Allow 24in (60cm) between plants, which will grow into large clumps in a few short seasons. Daylilies can be planted closer when you are using them to cover a slope.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Many newer daylilies will re-bloom all summer when provided with regular water and fertilizer. Daylilies with dark red blossoms often do best with slight afternoon shade. The buds of most old-fashioned daylilies are edible.

Harvesting

Even though the individual blossoms last only one day, daylilies make interesting cut flowers. Mature buds will continue to expand and open after the stems are cut. As the flowers fade in the garden, trim them off with scissors or pruning shears.

Troubleshooting

Daylilies are often eaten by deer. Slugs can be a problem in spring in mulched plantings.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Daylily