Cutting lilies - how to do it right

Cut for the vase cut

Lilies can safely be pruned during their flowering, which can usually be admired between late May and mid-June. The aim of this cut is to preserve the flowers for the vase. If the flowers are to stay in the vase for a long time, only the leaves at the end of the stem should be removed. Remaining leaves remain arrested.

also read

Lilies - it depends on the location!
Before wintering - cut back lilies
Lilies - at their most beautiful when they bloom

The flowers can also be cut off just before they bloom. But not too early! When the buds are plump and thick, they are about to open. Then the right time has come for a vase cut. Remember, however, that many lilies in the home give off a strong scent that not everyone likes.

Cut after flowering

Furthermore, lilies should be cut after they have bloomed. Only use sharp and clean tools such as secateurs or a knife for the cut. Blurry and dirty cutting tools can increase the risk of disease.

When the flowering period is over, you can tell by the withered flowers. Cut this away! But not too much of a good thing: only the inflorescences should be cut off. The stems stay on the plant.

When you are ready to harvest the seeds, wait for them to develop. Then you can cut off the seed heads and remove the seeds for sowing. Bear in mind that it takes enormous strength to seed a lily.

Cutting in preparation for the winter

Last of the year, a cut should follow in autumn. It serves to prepare the lily for winter time. It can be dug up and quartered after this cut.

Please note with this cut:

Cut back both garden and potted lilies
The leaves and stems should be yellow to brown in color
Cut the leaves and stems down to the ground
For professionals: pull dried parts of plants out of the ground
then prepare lily for the winter time, for example in the form of brushwood over the root area
Complete wintering in March