Dividing Tiger Lilies: Timing, Bulbs, Bulblets, and Bulbils

Beth has a 14-year clump of tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium) to divide into a row. Key facts:

When to Divide

• Every 3 years in fall (after foliage yellows) or early spring.
• Fall division = blooms next year; spring = may skip a year.

What You'll Find

• Large bulbs: Bloom next season.
• Bulblets (small offsets): 2–3 years to bloom.
• Bulbils: Dark, berry-like structures in leaf axils. Plant these too—bloom in year 2.

Climate Note

Tiger lilies need a cold dormancy (90+ days below 40°F). They thrive in temperate zones (most of US except deep South, coastal CA, HI). In warm climates, they weaken and fail to bloom.

Replant at 3× bulb depth, 8–12 inches apart. Water well. Mulch for winter.