Daylily Information

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Dividing Daylilies :

When to divide :

If you live in the South, meaning zones 6/7 and above, you do best dividing your plants in early fall when night temps are cool and days are a bit milder. This will give the daylilies at least 3 months to grow new roots before the soil freezes.

If you live in the North, you are probably best dividing in the spring, when the plants are just a couple inches high. This will give the plants a full summer of growth before winter cold weather conditions arrive.

A large, well-established plant can withstand colder temps easier.

If you must divide later in the season in the north, divide immediately after bloom finishes, and replant at least 8 weeks before your first hard freeze.

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How to divide :

The daylily top growth forms fans. Each fan is a separate section of the plant, containing its own root system. These roots may still be joined to other roots, but are easily separated.

If you break off a fan that has no roots attached throw it away. The daylily crown tissue has the precursors for roots as well as foliage. A fan without crown tissure can't grow daylily roots. The same rule goes for roots if you break off a thick rhizome. It has none of the cells needed to produce a fan.

After digging up the plant cut the foliage down to about 8 inches.

Use a strong hose sprayer to wash the dirt from the roots so you can see them better. Then pull and shake clumps of roots until they seperate from the others. You might need to exert a bit extra force if the roots have twisted together.  If the going does get tough try using a strong stick or large screwdriver to save wear and tear on your fingers.