Calling all Gardeners.....Lily transplant question.?

Question

Hi there! I live in South Central Alaska and I am in South Eastern Minnesota visiting my mother. She has beautiful day lillies overpopulating her garden and I would like to take some home with me when I fly home the first week of August. Any ideas on the best way to do this would be greatly appreciated. I know lillies can survive in my area. Thanks!

Answer 1

Actually, you may not be allowed to take them home with you.  I know there are regulations on transporting plants from one area to another. You might want to look into that first.

(the reason why they have regulations is to prevent the spread of plant pests and disease.)

Just something to think about.

Answer 2

You can dig up the whole plant and put it in a pot with more dirt.  You really don't want to be dividing any plants in the middle of summer, so if you take it make sure there is enough dirt around the root of the plant.  In the spring, dig it back up and divide it into smaller clumps.  You know to divide when you start getting fewer flowers throughout the summer.   Daylilies are very tough plants and can survive if given the proper care when you get home.

Answer 3

I am pretty sure as long as you don't keep them in a hot car or anywhere like that you can transplant them bare root.  Just get them into the soil as soon as you get home and they will take off again.  Not sure how cold it gets in your area but if they work in Minnesota then they will probably work where you live too.  I have even mailed them in a box cross country and they have been fine.  No soil or anything.  You could probably mail yourself a box of them right before you go home. You should probably cut off the top of the plant except for the three bottom inches and keep the roots intact. Good luck and like I said don't leave them sitting in  a hot car for too long and get them in the ground as soon as you get back..