Caring for Forced Lily Bulbs After Indoor Bloom: Saving the Bulb for Garden Planting

Why Forced Lilies Decline After Flowering

Bulbs forced for holiday bloom expend all energy. Leaves yellow, plant dies back.

Keeping the Bulb Alive Until Spring

Water pot weekly until frost-free. Do not fertilize.

Outdoor Planting Depth and Amendments

Plant bulb 6 inches deep in good soil. Add bone meal. Water weekly if dry.

Managing Bloom Expectations

First year outdoors may be foliage only. Blooms return in year 2 if bulb survives.