How to Plant Stargazers

A stargazer lily produces large blooms that point upward. It is widely used in floral arrangements, and Iowa State university states that it does well as a border plant when planted in the middle or the back of the garden. It is a flower that is suited for zones 4 through 9, and planting it in your garden is a straightforward task that rewards you with upright, crimson-red blooms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Trowel
• Compost (optional)

1. Choose a location with access to full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.

2. Plant stargazer bulbs between mid-September and mid-October, so they will go dormant during the winter and provide blooms during the summer.

3. Dig holes with a trowel that are between four and six inches deep and just wide enough for the stargazer lily bulb.

4. Space the holes eight to 12 inches apart. Iowa State University recommends a group planting with clusters of five bulbs near one another.

5. Replace the soil over the bulb and pat it down firmly.

6. Water thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• If the soil for the location has too much clay, add plenty of compost or other organic matter to help with the drainage.

• Plant stargazer lily bulbs near plants like oriental poppies and purple coneflowers so that rabbits stay away. Otherwise, the stargazer lily bulbs may be nibbled by rabbits.