How to Germinate Daylilies

The daylily is available in a rainbow of colors, from delicate pastels to vibrant blends. Hardy plants, they are drought-tolerant, suitable for almost any landscape and can thrive in a range of climates. Most daylilies bloom for just one day, though some nocturnal varieties bloom in the early evening and close the following morning. Daylilies bloom in three sizes: miniature, small and large. They range in height from 6 to 36 inches. Propagating daylilies from seed is not difficult but it does take some time.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• 2 liter bottle
• Hydrogen peroxide
• 6 oz. yogurt cup
• 16 oz plastic cups with holes poked in the bottom
• All-purpose potting soil

1. Prepare a soaking solution by mixing 1 oz. of hydrogen peroxide with 2 liters of water. Pour the water to the rim of the yogurt cup and drop in several seeds.
2. Soak the seeds until they begin to sprout. Sprouting time can vary, from 7 to 10 days. Refill the cup as the solution evaporates.
3. When one or two seeds begin to sprout, plant all of the seeds in that container, sprouted or not.
4. Fill the 16 oz. plastic cup to the rim with moist potting soil. Plant the sprout 1/8-inch below the surface of the soil and dribble a little peroxide water on it. Be careful not to disturb the sprout.
5. Place the sprout in direct sunlight or under lights, as close to the bulb as possible. Keep the soil moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant seedlings outdoors when they are at least 4 inches tall, the danger of frost has passed and temperatures remain above 50 degrees.