Germination of the Bluebead Lily

Plant Characteristics

• Bluebead lilies bloom clusters of three to eight yellow flowers atop a 4- to 16-inch flower stalk. Flowers produce green berries and as the growing season progresses, the berries turn white, then a deep blue in the fall. Bluebead lilies are native to moist areas in the woodlands and are an excellent addition to the shady area of the home garden.

Propagation

• Bluebead lilies grow from underground rhizomes. These rhizomes multiply and can be divided in the spring for easy propagation. You can also grow bluebead lilies from seed. However, it will take two or more years for the seeds to develop rhizomes that in turn will produce thriving, blooming plants.

Germinating Seeds

• Fill a peat pellet seed tray or another seed tray that decomposes in time with moist potting soil. Sow two to four seeds per seed compartment. Cover the seeds with 1/4-inch of moist potting soil. Place the seed tray in a shady location with indirect light only. Indoors, place it in an area that is approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do this in the spring so you can transplant the seed tray outdoors in the fall. Outdoors, dig a hole in the ground that is large enough to plant the entire seed tray. Do this in the late summer in a shady area.

Transplanting

• Keep the soil moist for the first two growing seasons, then water them with 1 inch of water when the weather is hot and dry. In the third year, transplant bluebead lilies in the fall from the seed tray to their permanent location in the garden. Space them 6 to 9 inches apart and divide as necessary, about once every five to six years.