How can I transplant these Wild Lily bulbs into my garden?

Question

Here is a picture here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium_bulbiferum . In my area in Canada they are wild, and sometimes invasive. I found about 200 flowers on the side of the road and of course I picked a whole bunch of them. How can I take out the bulbs and plant them? I know that they will most likely die, but they will grow again next year right? How do I do it? Any tips? How long to they bloom for usually? Do I just take the bulb only and cut the flower stem off, or do I just leave the stem and flowers on? Please help! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You should dig the bulbs in the Fall and transplant them then. If you wait until the top part of the plant has died back, then the bulb has the most energy stored and is ready to transplant. You can also move them in the early Spring, too, before they grow. Don't try to take all of them. Take just a few and leave the rest for everyone else to enjoy where they are.

Answer 2

First of all, you should know that it is illegal to take plants from land you don't own. That includes from the road side.

Are you sure that the lilies are the type in the link? Roadside lillies are often daylilies that have escaped from gardens. Daylilies have grass like leaves, blooms on tall leafless stems and flowers that only last a day although they bloom repeatedly for weeks. Daylilies are readily available for sale in garden centres.

The lily in your link is an Asiatic lily, again it is a garden escape in Canada. You can plant from seeds. Or establish by digging up the bulbs (but only from land that you personally own) in the fall or early spring and planting. Asiatic lilies are available as bulbs in the fall in garden centres and can be planted then as tulips are. They come in a bewildering array of colours and shapes.

Answer 3

Dig the bu;bs up and transplant to yard anytime.