When to Divide Fritillaria Persica Bulbs

Dividing Bulbs

• Divide bulbs from time to time as an easy way to propagate your plants and to keep the plant colonies healthy and blooming well. As the mature bulbs continue to produce offsets, eventually the area gets crowded. When lilies start blooming less abundantly than in previous years, it is time to divide the plants. You can also dig and divide the bulbs for transplanting into another area in the garden or to give away.

When to Divide Bulbs

• Fall is the best time to divide Fritillaria persica bulbs. As with other bulb plants, it requires a period of chilling before it will bloom in the spring. The plants also benefit from the winter months to get established in their new location before the spring growing season. Divide and transplant the bulbs in late summer or early fall. Cut the foliage down to the ground before you dig up the bulbs.

How to Divide Bulbs

• Dig out the bulbs using a spade or a garden fork but be careful not to damage the bulbs with your garden tools. After lifting the clumps from the soil, brush the soil off to expose the bulbs. You can gently pull the small developing bulbs off the large bulb with your fingers. Break the bulbs away from the parent plant and set them aside to transplant.

Planting and Transplanting

• If you can't replant the bulbs right away, pack them in soil so they stay damp and cool. Fritillaria persica grows best in full sun. Pick a spot that drains well or the new bulbs will rot in the ground. Dig the holes 6 inches deep and slightly wider than the bulbs. When planting make sure the pointed site is up and the wider area with the roots faces down. A spacing of 9 to 12 inches gives this lily room to develop while creating a visually dense area.