Our October meeting 2009, Suzanne Stuart presented "Hybridizing Day Lilies."
The following is from an email she sent to Sue Macdonald about starting day lilies from seeds:
"They can start seeds anytime now. Do not presoak them before planting. The seeds can be planted in seedstarting soil or potting mix. You can start them in a regular seed-starting-tray or small plastic dixie cups. Regular size dixie cups will do, as well. Make sure you poke 2 or 3 holes in the bottom of the cups, for drainage. If using potting trays, wet the potting mix first and let drain for a few seconds. The same will need to be done with the dixie cups. I always use luke-warm water. Then, push each seed into the potting mix about a thirds of an inch, or until the seed is just under the surface of the mix. You can make a small hole with the tip of a pencil and drop the seed in that way. Then, lightly cover the seed. When using a seed-starting tray, just put the plastic cover over the top and set it in a warm area. With the cups, you can put a piece of plastic wrap with the holes punched in the top over the cups. Place in warm area. Do not let the soil dry out. Mist the soil if it seems dry. Seeds should sprout within a week or so. Some are just a little slower than others. Once growth starts remove the plastic cover on the cups and tray. When seedlings get 5 or 6 inches tall, (in the seed-starting tray) you can lift the seedling out using the tip of a pencil and repot it into a dixie cup. Always make holes in the bottom of cups. Using the cup method does save having to transplant from a seed tray. Depending on the size of the cup you may not have to transplant until it gets to around 12 inches tall or is top heavy. By the time June rolls around, they should be ready to go into the ground with a little fertilizer. They will not bloom this year. With the proper care, they should bloom next year. If anyone does not get germination, I have may more seeds they can have."
Thank you Suzanne. We look forward to seeing your lily gardens this summer!
