Hello! I am a daylily bare root, and I am not dead, merely dormant. I have been carefully harvested, cleaned, and stored to await my new home. My energy is stored in my thick, tuberous roots and the small crown at my base, which is the vital growth point from which my leaves and flower scapes will emerge. Before you plant me, please rehydrate me. Soak my roots in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to a few hours. This revives my tissues and prepares me to absorb nutrients and water from the soil immediately upon planting, giving me the best possible start.
To thrive and show you my beautiful blooms, I need a specific environment. Please choose a location where I will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; more sun means more flowers for you! The soil is my home and my pantry. I prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil is heavy clay, please amend it with compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and provides me with a steady supply of gentle nutrients. Good drainage is critical; my roots will rot if I am left sitting in constantly waterlogged soil.
Now, let's get to the main event! Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate my roots without crowding them. The hole should be deep enough so that my crown—the point where my roots meet my future shoots—will sit about one inch below the soil surface. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole. Gently spread my roots over this mound, allowing them to slope downwards naturally. This encourages them to grow outward and downward, establishing a strong anchor. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, firming it gently around my roots to eliminate large air pockets. Avoid packing the soil too tightly, as I need some space for my roots to breathe and expand.
Immediately after planting, I need a deep, thorough watering. This settles the soil around my roots and ensures I have the moisture necessary to break my dormancy. Continue to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first few weeks as I begin to establish my new root system. A layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, spread around my base (but not touching my crown) is incredibly beneficial. It helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds that would compete with me for resources, and regulates soil temperature. Be patient with me. My first priority is building a strong root system below ground. Once that is established, I will reward your care with vigorous leaf growth and, in due time, magnificent flowers.
