By Billmac
Spain
Can anyone tell me how to grow Pineapple Lilies in pots, and how to keep them.
- 8 Oct, 2016
Answers
I have them in both pots and the ground (it's frost free here). The 2 biggest things are during growth, keep them well watered; and during the winter, keep the top of the bulb covered with dirt or the slugs will get them. They do best in full sun. The bulbs will also get very large, so use at least a 12" pot. Don't cut the stems until the stems fall over as they look good until then. They can be a little slow to start growing in the spring.
8 Oct, 2016
Thank you, how deep should I plant them in the pot?
9 Oct, 2016
I would disagree with wylie and say plant them in partial shade if you put them in full sun the leaves go limp they will grow outside somewhere dry and shady plant them 4" down.... if grown in a pot its (better)but change the soil every 2-3 years and split if necessary plants grow bigger in new potting soil as ive discoverd this year having had them for about 10 years cramped in a large container.
9 Oct, 2016
If Billmac lives in the hotter areas of Spain, then afternoon shade would help. Mine are in full sun, and as long as they have enough water, they stay a little shorter and don't fall over. They are native to the summer rainfall areas of South Africa, where it gets a lot warmer. Mine are planted so the top of the bulb is about 1" below the surface.
11 Oct, 2016
Thanks for all the info I am in Alicante warm summer cool winter, will try in pots so I can move sun or shade.
18 Oct, 2016
Where you are they may be hardy outdoors year round - the link below covers growing in pots as well, but its obviously aimed at the UK market, where most parts will be too cold to leave them out all winter
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=104
8 Oct, 2016