How to Grow Stargazer Lilies

If you are a person who loves lilies, then stargazers could be one of your favorites. This oriental hybrid lily that was developed in 1970s, fast gained popularity for their beautiful upright flowers. The name stargazer is derived from the upright flowers that face the sky. This feature is not seen in other types of lilies. Today, stargazer lilies are so popular that these flowers are often used in flower arrangements and bouquets. This plant is grown in gardens as well as homes. However, there is a common misconception that growing these lilies is a difficult task. In fact, it is not difficult as you may think.

Growing Stargazer Lilies

Stargazer lilies can be grown indoors or outdoors. Before starting with this task, it will be better for you to understand the basics of planting and taking care of these lilies. If you want to grow them indoors, make sure that the plant is out of reach of felines. This is because stargazers can be poisonous for cats. So here are some tips for growing these lilies indoors as well as outdoors.

• First of all, you have to get some stargazer bulbs that have to be planted during the fall. You may either buy them from the local nursery or from online traders. You have to choose a location for planting them. An ideal location must have at least six to eight hours of sunlight and must be protected from winds. The soil must be fertile as well as well-drained. This is because the flowers are produced on long and thin stems that are prone to breakage.
• Once you decide the location, you have to remove the weeds, rocks and unwanted materials from the soil, before adding a good amount of compost that has to be mixed well with the soil. You may also add the required amount of fertilizer meant for lily bulbs.
• Dig holes that are two to three times the height of the lily bulbs. If you want them to grow in groups, the bulbs in each group must be planted at least six inches apart. The groups must have a distance of two feet in between. If you want a single plant, then plant one or two bulbs. Cover the holes with soil that is enriched with compost and fertilizer. If you want to provide them with stakes then install them while planting the bulbs. You may also mulch the area so as to keep out weeds.
• As the bulbs grow during the spring, use plastic garden tape to tie them to the stakes. Water the plants moderately, as too much watering may attract pests like slugs. It is said that beer kept in open dishes in the area is good for killing slugs, as they get attracted to the beverage and get drowned.
• Stargazer lilies flower during the summer. You may add a small amount of fertilizer to these plants, at that time. Once the blooming stops, remove the dead flowers (not the stem) before they develop seeds. This ensures that the bulb remains healthy for the next season.
• If you want to grow these lilies indoors, then, get a large pot with good drainage. Add some fertile and well-drained acidic soil to the pot and plant the bulb. As the sprouts emerge, mulch the soil with moss mulch. The pot must be placed in a location that offers partial sun (preferably morning sun). Indoor stargazer lilies must be watered only when the soil starts drying. You may fertilize the plant once a month.

Now, you have a fair understanding about how to grow stargazer lilies. If you have any doubts with regard to growing these plants, contact your local nursery or a horticulturist. So, get going and start planting your stargazer lilies that can bright up your garden and interiors.