| My Stella d'Oro daylillies bloomed for only a week or so. Should I cut the seed pods off or what am I doing wrong? I was hoping they would bloom a good part of the summer. |
| Daylilies (Hemerocallis) never bloom long enough to suit us! Unfortunately, most daylilies bloom over a fairly short period of time, averaging perhaps two weeks. The length of time can vary widely depending on the age of the plant, the general cultural conditions, the weather, and the variety you are growing. After blooming, the plants occasionally form seed. To improve the garden appearance of the plants, you may wish to remove the spent blooms daily and then, when all of the blooms are finished on a stem (scape) remove it by cutting it close to the base. This will also encourage the plants to direct their energy into replenishing themselves rather than forming seeds. This is especially helpful for the reblooming types. Rebloomers also appreciate an adequate supply of nutrients and moisture all through the growing season, as well as more frequent division, perhaps as often as every other year. If your daylilies have been in the ground for more than five years, or have become crowded, this might also explain the apparently short bloom season. Isn't it a shame the daylilies don't bloom all summer long? Maybe the hybridizers will come up with one soon. |
