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How To Plant Daylily Proliferations? 10 Easy Steps!

Daylilies, or Hemerocallis fulva, are sturdy perennials that can thrive in a variety of climates. They are easy to care for and propagate, making them popular for gardeners.

“By seed,” “by division,” or “by proliferations” are all methods for growing daylilies. In this article, we’ll discuss how to plant daylily proliferations.

Daylilies are colourful and dainty perennials that bloom in the summer. The plant gets its name because the flowers only last one day, but many different flowers can emerge from a single stem.

The flowers, however, are not lilies; they are a different species entirely, Hemerocallis, whereas lilies are Lilium. On the other hand, the blooms are just as lovely as regular lily blooms.

They add visual interest to a yard and are relatively simple to grow and maintain. They are hardy and adaptable plants that require little care once established.

Obtaining Proliferations is the third method of propagating daylilies; proliferations, like physical plant division, produce genetic clones of the parent plant. Small plants that develop from “joints” in the scape are known as proliferations.

These low-lying plants can appear at any time after the scape has developed. Daylilies are capable of generating proliferations if the environment is right. One Daylily generates viable proliferations each year; the others do not.

A Guide on How To Plant Daylily Proliferations

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant daylily proliferations:

  1. Discover new growths, i-e, proliferations. Some are quite apparent, while others may be difficult to detect near the scape’s base.
  2. Examine the scape closely; you’ll notice that sprouts are growing beneath a seed pod. The plant will keep the seed pod alive, which keeps the proliferation alive. When the seed pod is dead, the scape dies and becomes brown, eliminating any potential proliferation that may still be connected.
  3. Once you’ve found the proliferation, inspect for the roots. If it doesn’t have a root system and the scape is still green, the proliferation will remain for the time being. If the scape has an established root system, skip steps 4 and 5.
  4. If the scape has no root system, you can submerge it in water. To avoid ruining the root system and growing crown, leave the stem-like structure known as the scape attached after cutting. After 3 weeks in water, keep the water level almost at the proliferation’s crown—the plant will rot if submerged in water—and check every other day as the small plants are quite “thirsty.”
  5. If the scape starts to brown, cut it underneath the proliferation and re-immerse it in water to the crown level until the white tissue forms, implying that proliferation is ready to be put in the soil with better root formation. Begin with a mixture of about half peat and half soil and keep it moist but not dripping wet at a cooler temperature.
  6. Cut it and plant the proliferation if the scape has a good root system or is entirely brown.
  7. To start, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the pot that the mother daylily is in. Place the daylily proliferation in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant to secure it in place. Water well to settle the soil.
  8. Check the viability of the young plants and keep the soil moist till the roots develop further. These fresh daylily plants should be watched for at least one season before transplanting to the desired area or a larger pot.
  9. Next, choose a location for your pot that receives full sun to partial shade. Daylilies do best in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy, amendments such as sand or peat moss can help to improve drainage.
  10. The growth will establish its roots in a few weeks, and it will blossom in a few years.

Transplanting the Daylilies

  1. When it comes to transplanting daylilies, spacing is important. Daylilies should be spaced 12-18 inches apart. This will allow them room to spread and mature. Once you have selected a spot, dig a hole with the appropriate size and shape.
  2. Carefully remove the Daylily from the pot and place it in the hole. Fill in around the plant with soil, making sure to firm it down. Water well to settle the soil and help it to absorb. Congratulations, your daylilies are now planted! Enjoy watching them grow and thrive. 

Care Tips for Growing Daylily using Proliferations 

Once your daylilies are planted, they will need some basic care to help them thrive. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Watering: Daylilies should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers.

Sunlight: Daylilies require full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Select a spot in your garden that receives plenty of direct sunlight. They need 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to thrive and grow to their full potential.

Temperature: Daylilies prefer a cooler climate and do not do well in extreme heat. In hot climates, it is best to plant them in shaded areas.

Fertilizing: Daylilies benefit from being fertilized regularly. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the best results.

Soil: Daylilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, consider adding sand or peat moss amendments to improve drainage. Keep the soil moist but not wet to avoid root rot.

Pruning: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is unnecessary, but it can help keep your daylilies looking tidy. If you do choose to deadhead, be sure to cut the flower stalk off just above the second set of leaves below the spent flowers.

Weeding: Weeds can compete with daylilies for water and nutrients, so it is important to keep an eye on them and remove them as needed.

Mulching: Mulching is a great way to keep the soil moist and help to suppress weeds. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or straw, will do the trick. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.

Pests and Diseases: Daylily plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases. If you notice any problems with your plants, be sure to take action immediately.


Final Remarks

A daylily will occasionally form small plantlets at the nodes on the flower scape’s stem. While still attached to the plant, these will frequently form roots.

A new plant can be grown by cutting the stem of the scape on both sides of the plantlet – the proliferation – and placing it in potting soil. It’ll be a clone of the parent plant, which means it will be identical.

These proliferations are easy to grow Daylilies if you have a little bit of green thumb and want to increase your collection or share with friends. Daylilies are a great addition to any garden. With proper care, they will grow and thrive for many years to come. So, go ahead and get started!

Now that you know how to plant Daylily proliferations, you can enjoy watching them grow and thrive in your garden! With a little bit of care, your daylilies will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come!