Q: We have a very nice planting of Dutch amaryllis bulbs in our garden. They bloomed months ago but now some of the leaves are beginning to look tired and a few have withered so I’ve torn them off. What is the proper time for us to dig them up and divide them, and how should we do it?
A: For readers who might not be familiar with Dutch amaryllis, Hippeastrum, they are one of the largest and easiest to grow bulbs for either pot or garden culture. The standard-sized bulbs are about 3-4 inches in diameter and produce flower stalks 2 feet tall topped by several flowers that are each 6 inches or more across. There are also miniature selections that grow to about half that size but are just as decorative and easy to grow.
Flower colors include various shades of red, white, orange and rose, and there are both single and double forms. Because amaryllis bulbs are considered tender, they are typically grown in the United States as potted plants, but with our mild climate, they do quite well in the garden.
Amaryllis bulbs growing in the ground have a different blooming period and require a different timetable than amaryllis bulbs growing in pots. The best time to lift and divide your garden amaryllis bulbs is when you notice the leaves beginning to wither from the shorter days and cooler weather of late fall. In most Southern California locations, this would usually be from late October to late November.
Lift the bulb clumps with a sturdy shovel or a potato fork, being careful not to cut or damage the bulbs. Wash off as much soil as possible, to reveal the individual bulbs. Gently separate the individual bulbs, taking care not to break off the base from which the roots originate. I sometimes use a sturdy old steak knife as a wedge to pry the bulbs apart.
Discard any bulbs that are not sound. Replant the sound bulbs immediately while they have nice fresh roots, allowing sufficient space between them so they will not need separating again for a few years. With a little luck, your amaryllis bulbs will not even notice that they’ve been disturbed and reward you with their typical extravagant display of flowers in spring.
Q: Over the last few years, the Oriental lilies in our garden have multiplied. I’d like to divide them and replant the extras in other locations. When is the best time for me to divide and transplant them?
A: It’s best to wait until the tops begin to die down before disturbing lilies. In the relatively frost-free areas of Southern California, lilies start to go dormant sometime in October, depending upon the weather. The bulbs are never completely dormant so you should replant them immediately after you divide them. Try to keep the roots intact as much as possible.
Small bulbs should be planted 3‑4 inches deep, and large bulbs should be planted 5‑6 inches deep. If you have sandy soil, you can plant them a little deeper yet. Lilies dislike being disturbed so you should space the bulbs far enough apart (at least six inches, and preferably 12 inches) that they will not require division for at least several years.
