When to plant Lilies in Alachua County, FL
In Alachua County, Lilies is a spring-only crop. Plant February 9–February 23 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Lilies in Alachua County, FL
This month in Alachua County, Florida
June is a pivotal month for Alachua County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick lilies
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: lilies
Lilies (Lilium spp.) are among the most impressive summer-blooming bulbs, delivering bold, upward- or outward-facing trumpet blooms on tall stems from June through August. Asiatic hybrids are the most cold-hardy, earliest to bloom, and easiest to grow; Oriental hybrids bloom later with intensely fragrant, larger flowers. Orienpet (OT) hybrids combine the hardiness of Asiatics with the fragrance and size of Orientals. True lilies (not to be confused with daylilies, which are Hemerocallis) form scaly bulbs that persist and multiply underground, returning reliably each year with increasingly large clumps.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Lilies may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lilies will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Lilies Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Alachua County
How your county's soil matches Lilies's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.1) is more acidic than Lilies prefers (6.0–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Alachua County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lilies will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lilies.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lilies.
How to Plant Lilies
Succession Planting Lilies
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Lilies Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lilies
Lilies needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lilies Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lilies Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lilies Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL
Lilies Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Bloom | April 20 | Apr 20 – Jul 27 |
Plant 5" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Lilies in Alachua County
Direct sow Lilies outdoors after February 23 in Alachua County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Alachua County dries quickly — mulch Lilies with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Alachua County, provide afternoon shade for Lilies and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Plant bulbs in fall (preferred, September–October) or spring, setting them 3 times their diameter deep (typically 4–6 inches) with the pointed end up. Lilies need excellent drainage — they will rot in wet or heavy clay soils. Site with full sun on stems and blooms but cool, shaded soil at the base (ground cover or shallow-rooted annuals at their feet is ideal). Remove spent blooms but leave stems and foliage until they yellow naturally, as the bulb needs the foliage to photosynthesize and rebuild energy stores. Red lily beetle is a serious pest in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest; inspect plants regularly and hand-pick adults and larvae. Never plant Oriental or Asiatic lilies near cats — all Lilium species are highly toxic to cats. Year 2+ bulbs produce the most stems and largest blooms.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lilies in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lilies in Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Lilies planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Lilies in Alachua County, FL?
In Alachua County, FL, plant Lilies after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Lilies?
Alachua County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lilies grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lilies grow in Alachua County's climate?
Yes — Lilies grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.