Dividing Daylilies in Fall: Splitting Clumps for More Blooms
Dividing daylilies in fall means digging a crowded clump plus splitting it into smaller pieces with fans of leaves plus roots. It renews the plant plus gives you more to plant.
The short answer
University of Arkansas Extension notes daylilies can be divided in fall as they go dormant. UMN Extension advises divisions with two to three fans plus all roots attached. Dig the clump, pull the fans apart, then replant so the crown sits 1 inch below the soil line. Divide every three to five years.
When should you divide daylilies?
UMN notes fall division should come four to six weeks before the ground freezes so roots can settle. Arkansas suggests fall when possible.
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Fall as plants go dormant | Arkansas |
| Fans per division | Two to three | UMN |
| Crown depth | 1 inch below soil | UMN |
| How often | Every three to five years | UMN |
Source: UMN plus University of Arkansas.
How do you split a clump?
UMN notes you can push two forks back to back into the center of a clump plus pull them apart. A sharp knife or spade works too.
How to: step by step
- Water the bed a day ahead if it is dry.
- Lift the whole clump with a spade or fork.
- Separate the fans into divisions.
- Hold divisions shaded plus moist.
- Replant with the crown 1 inch below the soil line.
- Water when needed.
Troubleshooting
Sparse blooms: crowded clump. Split it into smaller fans.
Tough clump: dense roots. Use two forks back to back.
Winter injury on new plants: UMN advises a straw or shredded leaf mulch.
Read fertilizer plus compost for growing outdoors, fall garden cleanup after cannabis harvest plus planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Daylilies, University of Minnesota Extension
- Daylily, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
- Dividing perennials, University of Minnesota Extension
- Hemerocallis (daylily), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
How many fans should each division have?
UMN advises two to three stems or fans of leaves with all roots attached.
How deep do I replant daylilies?
UMN advises setting the crown, where stem meets root, 1 inch below the ground line.
How often should daylilies be divided?
UMN notes every three to five years. Arkansas notes about every three years.
Will divided daylilies bloom next year?
UMN notes division promotes more flowers, though spring divisions may not bloom the same summer.
Should I fertilize after dividing?
Arkansas advises replanting two to three crowns per division plus feeding with a general fertilizer.
