Season and Preparation

• Plant day lilies in spring, summer or fall in warm areas of the country, and in spring or summer in colder areas. These are hardy plants that do well with transfers from the nursery pot straight into the garden. The best planting, though, includes early site choice and preparation.
  
  

Site

• Day lilies do best in bright, full sun but may also thrive in partial or dappled sun. Make sure that the lilies get six hours of full sun every day for the best blooms. Don't plant day liles in low-lying spots that get poor drainage or lack air circulation, as the plants' roots will rot.
  
  

Soil and Spacing

• The best soil for day lilies includes plenty of organic matter for good drainage, nutrition and moisture retention. Mix 4 inches of organic compost into the top 8 inches of soil and plant day lilies in 4- to 6-inch holes to keep their roots from drying out. Give each day lily 16 to 18 inches of space for growth and root expansion.
  
  

Care

• Day lilies don't require fertilizer if they grow in nutritious soil but do well with new compost amendments in spring and fall. Keep 1 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the soil to maintain warmth and moisture, and water each plant with 2 inches of water a week during dry periods. Increase the watering to 3 inches of water every week before and during the bloom for bigger, brighter flowers.