How Do You Grow Water Lilies

You grow water lilies by planting them in a pond or a large container with plenty of sunlight and still water.
 
Growing water lilies is one of the most rewarding things you can do if you have a water garden, and it’s surprisingly simple once you understand a few key basics.
 
Whether you’re starting with a tiny bare-root tuber or a potted plant from a nursery, the process of how do you grow water lilies comes down to getting the planting depth, soil type, and sun exposure just right.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to grow water lilies step by step, from choosing the right variety to keeping them blooming all season long.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Grow Water Lilies Successfully?

The short answer is that you grow water lilies in a heavy clay soil, placed at the correct depth in a sunny spot, and you never let the crown get buried.
 
Water lilies are tough aquatic perennials, but they have very specific needs that are different from any land plant.
 
Let’s break down the most important factors for growing water lilies so you can get it right the first time.
 

1. Start With the Right Water Lily Variety

Before you think about planting, you need to know which type of water lily you’re growing.
 
Hardy water lilies are the easiest to grow and they survive freezing winters, making them perfect for outdoor ponds in most climates.
 
Tropical water lilies, on the other hand, are stunning but they need warm water and must be treated as annuals in cooler zones.
 
When you’re learning how do you grow water lilies, choosing a hardy variety is the best place to start, especially if you’re a beginner.
 
Dwarf water lilies are also great for small containers or tubs on a patio.
 

2. Use Heavy Clay Soil, Not Potting Mix

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they grow water lilies is using regular potting soil or garden soil that’s too light.
 
Water lilies need a heavy clay loam that holds nutrients well and doesn’t float away.
 
You can buy aquatic planting soil at a garden center, or you can use plain topsoil with a high clay content.
 
Avoid anything with perlite, vermiculite, or compost, because these will cloud your water and rot the roots.
 
So when you’re wondering how do you grow water lilies, remember that the soil is just as important as the water itself.
 

3. Plant in a Wide, Shallow Container

Water lilies don’t like deep pots, they prefer wide, shallow containers that allow their rhizomes to spread horizontally.
 
A plastic or mesh basket that’s about 10 to 14 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep works perfectly.
 
You can grow water lilies in a container that has no holes on the bottom, but if you use a mesh basket, line it with burlap or newspaper to hold the soil in.
 
Place the rhizome at a 45-degree angle against one side of the pot, with the growing tip pointing upward.
 
Cover the roots with soil but leave the crown and the tip exposed.
 
Then top the soil with a layer of pea gravel to keep it from washing away.
 

4. Get the Water Depth Exactly Right

Water depth is critical when you grow water lilies, and getting this wrong can kill your plant quickly.
 
For hardy water lilies, the crown of the plant should sit 6 to 18 inches below the water surface.
 
For dwarf varieties, keep the water depth closer to 4 to 8 inches.
 
You can lower the pot gradually as the leaves grow, this is called “stepping down” and it helps the plant acclimate.
 
If you submerge the crown too deep, the plant will struggle to send leaves to the surface and may rot.
 
If it’s too shallow, the tuber can dry out or get too hot.
 
So when you’re asking how do you grow water lilies, always check your depth twice.
 

Best Conditions for Growing Water Lilies

Beyond planting, you need to give your water lilies the right environment to thrive.
 
Here’s what they need to grow water lilies with lush pads and vibrant blooms.
 

1. At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight

Water lilies are sun worshippers, plain and simple.
 
You should grow water lilies in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
 
More sun means more flowers, and less sun means mostly leaves with very few blooms.
 
If your pond is in heavy shade, consider trimming back overhanging branches or moving the container.
 

2. Still Water With No Waterfalls

Water lilies hate moving water.
 
They are naturally found in calm ponds and slow-moving streams, so the surface of your water should be still.
 
Avoid placing your lilies directly under a waterfall or fountain spray.
 
The constant splashing will damage the pads and prevent flowers from opening.
 
If you have a fountain, position the lily at the opposite end of the pond.
 

3. Feed Them With Fertilizer Tablets

Water lilies are heavy feeders, and they’ll reward you with constant blooms if you fertilize them regularly.
 
You can grow water lilies with aquatic fertilizer tablets pushed into the soil near the roots.
 
Push a tablet into the soil every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season, from spring through late summer.
 
Don’t use granular fertilizer, it will dissolve into the water and cause algae blooms.
 

Water Lily Care Tips for Continuous Blooms

Once your lilies are established, a little care goes a long way.
 
Here are some tips to help you grow water lilies that bloom from early summer all the way to fall.
 

1. Deadhead Spent Flowers and Yellow Leaves

Remove faded flowers and yellowing pads as soon as you see them.
 
This keeps the plant’s energy focused on producing new blooms instead of setting seed.
 
Use long-handled pruners to reach out into the pond without disturbing the roots.
 

2. Protect Them From Fish and Pests

If you have koi or goldfish, they may nibble on the tender new leaves and flower buds.
 
You can grow water lilies alongside fish, but you may need to use netting or a separate planting area.
 
Aphids can also be a problem, and a gentle spray of water from a hose can knock them off.
 
Just be careful not to blast the delicate lily pads.
 

3. Overwinter Hardy Water Lilies Properly

In colder climates, you can grow water lilies as perennials if you overwinter them correctly.
 
Move the pot to the deepest part of the pond so the rhizome stays below the ice line.
 
If your pond freezes solid, bring the pot into an unheated garage or basement.
 
Keep the soil moist but not submerged, and the rhizome will stay dormant until spring.
 

So, How Do You Grow Water Lilies?

You grow water lilies by planting the rhizome in heavy clay soil, placing the container at the proper depth in a sunny, still-water pond, and feeding it regularly through the growing season.
 
That’s the simple formula, and it works every time if you follow the steps we covered.
 
Whether you’re growing water lilies in a small patio tub or a large backyard pond, the same principles apply.
 
Choose a hardy variety, use the right soil, keep the crown exposed, and give them full sun.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how do you grow water lilies so you can enjoy their beauty all summer long.