As a lily, my existence is a beautiful but energy-intensive endeavor. From pushing through the cool soil in spring to producing my magnificent, often fragrant blooms, I require a steady stream of nutrients to perform at my best. To understand how and when to feed me, you must see the world from my roots upward, through my seasonal cycle of growth and rest.
My year begins when the soil warms and my green shoot breaks the surface. This initial burst of growth is fueled by the energy stored within my bulb from the previous season. However, these reserves are quickly depleted. This is the first critical time for fertilization. As my stem elongates and leaves begin to photosynthesize, I need a balanced, readily available nutrient source to develop strong foliage, which is the engine for all future growth. A fertilizer with a balanced ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, applied as a side dressing around my base (not directly on my emerging stem) provides the nitrogen I need for leafy growth, along with phosphorus and potassium for root and overall health.
Once my stalk is established and my leaves are unfurled, my internal focus shifts. I begin the massive task of forming flower buds. This process demands immense phosphorus, the nutrient most directly responsible for promoting prolific blooming and strong root systems. As you see my buds beginning to swell and form within the foliage, it is time to switch to a fertilizer with a higher middle number (phosphorus), such as a 5-10-5 formula. This specific nutrient boost ensures I have the raw materials to develop numerous, large, and vibrant flowers rather than diverting energy solely into more leaves.
To you, the show is over once my petals fade and drop. To me, this is the most vital period of the entire year. The work I do now determines the quality of next year's blooms and my very survival. After flowering, I channel all my energy back into my bulb, replenishing the spent stores and initiating the development of next year's flower buds within my core. Withholding nutrients now would be a catastrophic mistake. I require a final application of a balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer to aid in this recovery and bulb-hardening process. This allows me to store energy efficiently and ensures I am strong enough to survive the coming dormancy.
I absorb the majority of my nutrients through my extensive root system. Therefore, granular fertilizers should be lightly worked into the soil around me and then watered in thoroughly. This delivers the food directly to my roots. Alternatively, a water-soluble fertilizer can be applied as a liquid feed, which I can access more quickly. Whichever method you choose, please ensure the soil is moist before application to prevent root burn. Always avoid getting concentrated fertilizer on my foliage or stems, as this can cause damage.
