Hello,
Probably a stupid question, but what would be the correct depth to plant this little crown?
The short version is that I am going through pots to see what actually has something in them and am running into dormant (?) crowns like this. I'm just not sure exactly how deep it was since it was so small and I didn't see it until I dumped the dirt out.
Is it best to plant a crown, that isn't showing any green, slightly under the surface or should the very top of the crown be right at surface level?
The sad thing is that the plants are probably going dormant to try to save themselves since their pots were so overtaken by weeds and tree roots, they probably figured going dormant until conditions improved was their only chance. I was too late for several. So stupid. No one to blame buy myself. I've looked very closely at the pots to see if I could see any evidence of a day lily before dumping the pot out and digging through the dirt. Some are so small and/or below the surface, so I don't see them until I dump them out.
I don't want to plant too deep, since I figure this one is small and also most likely weaker than it should be. However, maybe planting too close to the surface isn't good either. I just don't know.
To give a sense of size, I think the pot is smaller than 2 gallon, although it might actually be a 2.
Thanks for the help.
Chris Coleman

I would put the crown right at the surface. But I hope other folks chime in here, as this hasn't really happened here, I don't keep things in pots.

I had one like that that I potted as a last ditch effort this past summer and it died. I personally think it would be better off in the ground but I honestly don't know. I'd probably cover the whole thing but not more than .5-1"
Hoping it survives, either way. 🤞🏻

My advice, put it in a much smaller pot than two gallon, leaving the crown exposed. If you put a plant that small in a two gallon pot, it would rot. Too much wet soil, the plant is too small to take up. Treat it like a small seedling. A pot just big enough to fit the roots.

I had an animal in Spring dig up a daylily. I thought it was a goner. Had more roots than yours, but tiny crown left with no green.



I potted it in approximately a gallon pot, just big enough to fit all the roots. Left the crown exposed but sprinkled just a dusting of soil on top. Could still see the crown. Kept it in part shade. When it grew leaves I put it in more sun. It actually bloomed, although late in the season. It's back in the ground now, different location.

Being in Florida, I assume this time of year your not concerned with frosts and freezing. Otherwise, my advice would be the same except to take the little potted plant indoors.

Good luck, hope it makes it, but no harm trying.

I'm not sure the answer in the north is the same in the sourh. It kind of looks dormant, eh? No green at all showing? I've heard southern gardeners complain about dormant daylilies often. I'm not an expert, but it seems like you have nothing to lose, really.

I'm reminded of this exchange paraphrased from Princess Bride, but don't let it discourage you:

Miracle Max. "Your friend is only mostly dead"
Valerie (Max' wife): "Do you think he'll make it?"
Miracle Max: "It would take a miracle."

I don't know how to save it in Florida. I know I'd heed K's advice if you plant it outside. Small animals like to dig in freshly worked soil. Keep an eye on it, as you may have to replant. I got a small plant this fall that I had to replant four times.

I don't know how this will work this late in the season, but at least once, I would water it into the soil with a product called MiracleGro Quick Start. Then again in the Spring. It seems to help with weak, moved, or small plants/larger seedlings.

I grow almost all of my daylilies in pots. I've had some small ones that I've tried to save, and yours is pretty tiny. Heck, I wouldn't put that in more then a 4 inch pot with a potting mix that is almost as gritty as a Cactus mix....Looking at your picture, make sure the underside of the crown (the blackish nub sticking out) is clean of any rot. That could spread to the crown if it gets too much water.............Good luck..........Maryl

Agree with both Tim and Maryl. I hadn't thought about critters. This time of year, squirrels are digging in all pots and also gardens here. But as to what Maryl said, I would squirt some peroxide on that darker part of the crown, let that dry a bit and plant in a small pot and keep it close to your house to keep an eye on it. You could also use some wire mesh if you have problems with critters digging.

@chrisgreat, keep us updated.

Thank you. I got it in a smaller pot and put it right at the surface. I didn't think about the liquid fertilizer though. It does have some newer roots, so maybe that will do the trick. It won't be the end of the world if it dies, since I had already replaced it this year when I couldn't find the tag. However, it would be nice if it comes back. It was going to be one of the big parts of a hybridizing program I have in mind - if I would ever actually get it started. It's not as important as several other plants, but I was certainly going to use it. Can't spend any more money at this point, so I need to hope what I have already is enough.
It's pot is surrounded by lots of other pots, mostly larger, and all freshly potted or at least
de-weeded The squirrels would have to pass by lots of other dirt to get to it. If I put it by itself, there's a possum that likes to mess with things that are on their own. At least I saw one messing with a pot one night but I'm not 100% that it was the culprit with others. I really wish the Red Tail Hawks would set up shop nearby and get themselves some bushy tails. The squirrels are the main issue, other than when the huge grasshoppers went through.
Thanks for the help. It's always good to get advice and opinions on things.