Growing Surprise Lily

Is there a secret to growing surprise lilies? The leaves appear in spring, but there’s no surprise when it’s time for the bloom to appear.

My surprise lilies also have a mind of their own. They tend to bloom every other year or so. These bulbs are hardy in zone 5 (sometimes 4) through 9 and thrive in full sun to light shade and clay or sandy soil. Keep the soil somewhat dry when the bulbs are dormant. As soil moisture increases and temperatures cool the flower stems should appear. Try fertilizing in spring with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer as the foliage emerges to give them an extra bit of energy that should encourage a fall display.