Growing Lilies from Seed: A Guide for Asiatic and Oriental Lilies

Can You Share Lilies via Seeds Instead of Bulbs?

A gardener with many lilies wants to give friends seeds rather than digging bulbs. The answer: yes, but lily seeds have complex germination requirements.

Germination Basics

• Many lily seeds need a cold period (stratification) to break dormancy.
• Some are hypogeal: they form a bulb underground the first year, then send up a leaf the second year.
• Others are epigeal: they sprout a leaf quickly.

Excellent Resource

The North American Lily Society provides a detailed guide: lilies.org/growingfromseed.html.

Practical Advice

Collect fresh seeds, sow in a cold frame or refrigerator for stratification, then grow on in pots. Expect 2‑4 years to flowering size. Dividing bulbs is faster, but seeds allow sharing many plants at low cost.