Lilium Asiatic Mix - Asiatic Lily

The Asiatic lily likes humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained and light soils, remaining slightly moist in summer. Plant it in full sun, with its feet in the shade, preferably in spring, burying the bulbs 15 cm (6in) deep in a pocket of soil mixed with leaf compost. Surround them with a pocket of sand that will protect them from rot and slug attacks, while allowing them to grow more easily. Mark the planting location, as vegetation only starts in April. If red lily beetles appear, treat them immediately, as their larvae can devour all the leaves. The most effective method is to catch them manually but be careful as they drop as soon as they are touched, so put a box underneath.

After flowering, it is a good idea to cut the faded flowers halfway to keep the bed beautiful during summer.

Tip for planting lilies in compact soil: The scaly bulbs of lilies are sensitive to clay soils that suffocate them and cause rot. In Eastern Europe, the following technique is used to help these bulbs survive the winter. Plant them on 'benches' built above ground level. These benches consist of a layer of gravel, on which tightly packed branches are placed. Then cover everything with a thick layer of compost 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) deep. Plant the bulbs in the compost, on which you can also let some ground-covering plants crawl.

On the terrace, you can create sumptuous pots with lilies. Choose a container that is large and deep enough (at least 16 cm (6in) in diameter for 1 bulb). Fill it with a mixture of garden soil, leaf compost, and sand. Plant the lilies in groups of 3 to 5 bulbs, 10-15 cm (4-6in) apart, then water abundantly. Place the pots in a cool room or outside once the frost has passed. The ambient temperature should be around 12°C (53.6°F). When shoots appear, move the pot to a bright conservatory or room at a temperature of around 18°C (64.4°F). Apply liquid fertiliser twice a month until the flower buds appear.