Lilium martagon

Germination

Sow indoors at any time. Sow into a cold frame in autumn while the weather is still warm. Sow seeds on their side, thinly onto moist loam based, lime free compost mixed 1:1 ratio with horticultural sand. Just cover with a sprinkling of sand. Natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur the following spring. You may not see growth above ground for many months, do not discard seed tray prematurely. Do not water seedlings Nov-Mar. Allow seedlings to grow on for 1 year undisturbed. When green growth dies off stop watering again. Pot up bulbs when dormant and winter out again. Grow on for another year before planting out during the dormant period. Can be grown indoors at any time ideal temp. 18-20°C for 1-3 months then cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 3-6 months, a fridge is ideal, then return to warmth.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould or well-rotted organic matter.

Cultivation

Propagate via seed or divide offsets after the foliage has died down. No pruning required.