Perhaps one of the easiest methods of plant propagation is through bulbils. Bulbils are simply baby plants produced along aerial stem of a plant. Lilies are well known for producing bulbils and you can take advantage of this natural plant ability to create more lilies for your garden. Not all lilies produce bulbils so be observant of your garden to find out if you have any on your lilies. The bulbils in the picture below came from an Asiatic lily. This lily did not bloom this year because a deer ate the top off before it could flower. Instead it exerted its energy into creating bulbils.
Bulbils form along the stem of the lily and can be harvested when they look like plump little plants with roots sticking out, somewhat resembling ‘Hens and Chicks’ (Sempervirens are completely unrelated to lilies). Each of these bulbils can be planted immediately in the garden. Expect lilies grown from bulbils to take about 2-3 years to grow into a full flowering plant.
Plant bulbils just like you would bulbs at a depth of 1-2 inches in the soil. Give the bulbils a little space between each bulb of around 1 to 2 inches again. Keep the bulbils watered but not overly wet.
Bulbils will not bloom for a couple years but are well worth planting for the opportunity for free plants!
Asiatic lilies may also be propagated via the leaves. In this case you are taking advantage of the lily’s ability to produce bulbils a little earlier in the season.
Hydrangea Propagation (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Every gardener likes a hydrangea in the garden. Likewise every gardener likes having more hydrangeas in the garden! So why not propagate a few more hydrangeas for your garden? Of course you have to have a suitable spot for one but if you have a…
Propagating Beautyberry Through Cuttings
If you’re looking for a plant that provides fall color in the form of berries as well as late season nourishment for the birds than look no further than the beautyberry (Callicarpa). Our beautyberry that we purchased in the spring is turning a deep purple…
How to Grow Ginkgo Trees from Seed
Ginkgo trees are beautiful and amazing trees. These trees (Ginkgo biloba) are native to Asia and can be extremely long lived, as in over 1,000 years! In fact the ginkgo species existed at the same time as the dinosaurs. Ginkgo trees are also called the…
How to Propagate Elderberry Bush: Transplanting and Propagating
Over the years the side garden area of our yard has gradually grown into a small forest area. My kids call the area “the thicket.” They play in the pathways I’ve cut through. Over time the sassafras trees have grown tall changing the hillside from…
How to Propagate Hardwood Cuttings of Russian Sage
The other day I had an idea. Instead of taking my pruned Russian sage branches and just dumping them in the compost, I thought what if I tried to make cuttings from them? I’ve propagated Russian sage cuttings very easily in the spring from softwood…
Growing Viburnums in the Home Garden
For many years now viburnums have been one of my favorite shrubs in my garden. For the most part viburnums grow without issue, add beauty to the landscape, and provide sustainable for wildlife. What strikes me as confusing is why they aren’t more popular in…
Share On:
Discover more from Growing The Home Garden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.