When and How to Transplant Asiatic and Oriental Lilies

Moving lilies is a common garden task, but timing is everything. Whether you're relocating Asiatic lilies (which bloom early summer) or the later-blooming "regular" white lilies (likely Oriental or Trumpet types), the rule is the same: wait until they've finished flowering completely.

Ideal Transplant Window

Early fall is the sweet spot—at least 30 days before your first hard frost. This gives the bulbs time to establish roots before winter dormancy. In most regions, that means September to early October.

Step-by-Step

1. Dig carefully: Use a garden fork to lift the clump, starting wide to avoid slicing bulbs.
2. Separate: Gently pull apart the main bulbs and any smaller offsets (bulblets).
3. Replant promptly: Plant at a depth three times the bulb's height (typically 6–8 inches deep) in well-drained soil with full sun to part shade.
4. Water well: Settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Pro Tips

• Discard any soft, moldy, or damaged bulbs.
• Add bone meal or bulb fertilizer to the planting hole for a phosphorus boost.
• Mulch lightly after the ground freezes to prevent frost heave.

Your lilies may not bloom at full strength the first year after moving, but they'll settle in and reward you with spectacular flowers for years to come.