You have a few (very few) bare spots where you would like to plant some Daylilies. Your discretionary funds are low. What can you do? Where are you going to go? Or you notice that your present beds are not producing as they used to and the flowers are smaller. How do your get more plants?
Fall: The Perfect Dividing Time
One method of increasing your plants is to divide them. Once your plants reach multi-crowns, you can use a sharp shovel to split them. While I have seen strong men pull them apart (after soaking) I don't recommend this! Use a far gentler method.
Site Preparation
O.K. We said it before, but this is crucial. Where are you going to put the new plants? Even if the bed is in use, please add a little organic matter. It doesn't take much. As you know, Daylilies provide much more enjoyment than work.
Divide and Provide
Take your shovel and dig all around the plant. Push the shovel in, then pry back until you hear the roots cry "uncle." Actually it will hurt you more than the plants.
Once you separate the plant from its present home, the real work begins. Take a hose and rinse the soil off. Now use a shovel (mine is a very small sharp one) to insert between the fans and cut into several fans. Trim off any broken roots. You can dust with a fungicide or rinse with a weak bleach solution. Maybe one teaspoon to a quart. Anyone else have any sure fire recipes for anti-fungicides? Heard a recent rumor that baking soda in a solution of water was recommended for preventing black spot on roses. Would it would work for Daylilies?
Planting Advice
Remember the lesson on planting Daylilies? No? You weren't reading this column then? You don't want to look up the link? Here are some quick review tips for planting the Daylily divisions. Dig a hole that is wider than the roots. Spread the roots out. Heap some soil under the roots like a cone, then sprinkle some soil on top of the roots. Tamp and water, then tamp some more. Keep them watered until you see the new growth. Mulch for winter protection.
Look around for some other Daylily enthusiusts. See if you can work some trades. Other people may have what you want and vice versa. One other method to increase your plants at low cost is to join a Daylily club. While it seems like quite a few people who grow Daylilies sell them, some people still trade just for fun.
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