Propagating Tiger Lilies from Bulbils and Scales

The dark green "seeds" along tiger lily stems are bulbils — aerial bulbs that produce genetic clones of the parent. They can be planted like seeds. Alternatively, remove a few scales from the main bulb and plant them.

Timeline

Both methods take about three years to produce blooming-size plants. Bulbils are easier to collect and handle. This vegetative propagation preserves the exact traits of prized heirloom lilies.