How to Transplant Water Lilies

Q:  I’ve noticed my hardy water lilies are starting to send up leaves.  They’ve outgrown their existing pots.  Is this a good time to pot them up?

A:  Yes. Once you see new growth, it’s time for dividing and/or potting up hardy water lilies. Use aquatic potting soil, or, some heavy clay soil from the landscape that contains no organic matter. This is also a good time to feed your lilies with some fertilizer tabs made specifically for water plants. Repeat through the growing season according to label directions. Topdress the top of the pot with some pea gravel to keep the soil from fouling the water.

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show