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You can keep lilies over winter by lifting their bulbs, storing them in a cool, dry place, and replanting them in the spring.
Keeping lilies over winter isn’t complicated, but it does require a little planning and the right conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep lilies over winter without losing them to frost or rot, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll cover why you should lift your lilies, the best storage methods, and the common mistakes to avoid when you keep lilies over winter.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Should Keep Lilies Over Winter by Lifting Them
The main reason to keep lilies over winter is that most lily bulbs aren’t fully hardy in freezing ground.
When soil temperatures drop too low, the bulbs can freeze, turn mushy, and die before spring.
So when you keep lilies over winter, you’re essentially giving them a controlled, safe environment that mimics their natural dormant period.
Here are the key reasons why lifting and storing is the best way to keep lilies over winter.
1. Protection from Deep Freezes
Lily bulbs can survive some cold, but prolonged deep freezes are a killer.
When you keep lilies over winter indoors, you shield them from temperature swings that cause heaving.
Heaving happens when the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, pushing bulbs to the surface where they dry out or freeze.
By storing them, you avoid this entire problem.
2. Preventing Bulb Rot from Wet Soil
Winter moisture is another big threat when you keep lilies over winter in the ground.
Soggy, cold soil can cause the bulbs to rot before they ever get a chance to sprout.
Lifting them lets you control the moisture level completely.
A dry, airy storage spot keeps the bulbs firm and healthy until spring.
3. Keeping Pests Away from Your Bulbs
Mice, voles, and other critters love to snack on lily bulbs during the winter months.
When you keep lilies over winter in a sealed container, you’re protecting them from hungry rodents.
This is especially important if you’ve had pest problems in your garden before.
How to Keep Lilies Over Winter Step by Step
Now that you know why it’s important, let’s talk about the actual process of how to keep lilies over winter.
The steps are straightforward, and with a little care, your bulbs will come back stronger than ever.
1. Wait for the Right Time to Dig
Timing is everything when you keep lilies over winter.
Wait until the foliage has died back naturally, usually after the first light frost.
This signals that the bulb has stored enough energy for next year.
Digging too early weakens the bulb, so be patient.
2. Gently Lift and Clean the Bulbs
Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs, then lift them out carefully.
Shake off excess dirt, but don’t wash the bulbs with water.
Washing adds moisture, which can lead to rot while you keep lilies over winter.
Trim the stems down to about two inches above the bulb.
3. Cure the Bulbs Before Storing
Curing is a critical step that many gardeners skip.
Place the bulbs in a single layer on a tray or newspaper in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot for a few days.
This lets any surface moisture evaporate and allows minor cuts to heal.
Proper curing reduces the risk of fungal diseases when you keep lilies over winter.
4. Pack Them in the Right Medium
After curing, pack the bulbs in a box or plastic container filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust.
Make sure the medium is slightly damp, not wet.
Bury the bulbs completely so they don’t dry out.
This mimics the soil environment they need while you keep lilies over winter.
5. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
The ideal storage temperature for lily bulbs is between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C).
A garage, basement, or unheated shed works well.
Avoid areas that freeze solid, as that defeats the purpose.
Check the bulbs monthly and toss any that feel soft or show mold.
Do You Always Need to Lift Lilies to Keep Them Over Winter?
You don’t always have to lift lilies, but it’s the safest option for most climates.
In milder zones where the ground doesn’t freeze hard, you can keep lilies over winter right in the garden.
Just add a thick layer of mulch to insulate the soil.
However, for gardeners in colder regions, lifting is the most reliable way to keep lilies over winter.
1. When You Can Leave Lilies in the Ground
If you live in USDA zones 7 and warmer, your lilies can usually stay put.
Mulch with straw, leaves, or bark to a depth of four to six inches.
This keeps the soil temperature stable and prevents heaving.
2. When Lifting Is Non-Negotiable
In zones 6 and colder, you really should lift your bulbs.
The ground can freeze several feet deep, which will damage unprotected bulbs.
So make it a habit to keep lilies over winter in storage if you want reliable blooms.
3. Container-Grown Lilies Need Extra Care
Lilies in pots are even more exposed to cold because the roots aren’t insulated by the ground.
To keep lilies over winter in containers, move the pots into an unheated garage or bury the pots in the ground.
You can also wrap the pots with burlap or bubble wrap for extra insulation.
So, How Do You Keep Lilies Over Winter Successfully?
You keep lilies over winter by lifting them, curing them, and storing them in a cool, dark, slightly damp medium.
This method protects against frost, rot, and pests, ensuring your bulbs are healthy for spring planting.
If you’re in a mild climate, you can keep lilies over winter in the ground with a thick layer of mulch, but lifting is always the safer bet.
Hope this guide helps you keep lilies over winter with confidence and enjoy beautiful blooms next season.