Why Double Lilies Can Fail to Bloom with All Their Petals (And What You Can Do About It)
Double lilies are some of the most breathtaking flowers you can grow—fragrant, lush, and packed with petals. But what happens when they don’t deliver the full show? If you’ve ever waited eagerly for your double lilies to bloom, only to find that they’re sparse, incomplete, or missing the extra petals that make them so special, you’re not alone.
Here are the top reasons why double lilies might not bloom with all their petals—and some tips on how to prevent this problem. Lilies are some of the easiest flowers to program for reliable blooms. Understanding their few whims can help ensure a gorgeous harvest.
Double Asiatic Lily ‘Bald Eagle’
1. Immature Bulbs Need Time to Mature
Not all bulbs bloom at their best in their first year. Young or newly divided bulbs often lack the energy reserves needed to produce full, double flowers. Instead, they might bloom as singles or with only partially developed doubles. This should not be a problem for any bulbs purchased from reliable cut flower wholesalers. We offer only bulbs that are large enough for cut flower production. Our bulbs are size 14/16 or 16/18.
What to do: If you are working with small, young bulbs, be patient. Allow your lilies a full growing season to bulk up. The more leaf growth and healthy photosynthesis the plant can accomplish, the stronger next year’s bloom will be.
2. Insufficient Sunlight
Lilies love the sun. While some partial shade can be tolerated, especially in hot climates, too little light can limit flower development and prevent the plant from producing enough energy for complex double blooms.
What to do: Ensure your lilies are getting at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. If they’re in too much shade, consider relocating them in the fall.
3. Water Stress (Too Much or Too Little)
Lilies don’t like to be too wet—but they don’t like to dry out either. Water stress at the bud stage can affect petal formation and lead to malformed or incomplete flowers.
What to do: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulch can help regulate moisture and temperature. As lilies grow, they require more water. You may go from watering very little to watering every day, especially if you are container growing your lilies in pots or crates.
4. Heat or Weather Stress
Sudden temperature swings, extreme heat during bud formation, or unexpected cold snaps can all disrupt petal development. This can be especially true for double varieties, which require more precise conditions to fully express their form.
What to do: While you can’t control the weather, you can protect vulnerable plants with shade cloths during heat waves or row covers during unexpected cold spells. And choosing planting times wisely can help avoid peak stress periods.
5. Pests or Disease Interference
While lilies are generally tough, thrips or fungal diseases like botrytis can deform buds before they even open. Damaged buds may not open completely, or may open missing key inner petals.
What to do: Inspect your plants regularly, especially under leaves and along stems. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or targeted fungicides can help manage issues early.
6. Genetic Instability in Some Cultivars
Some double lily varieties aren’t 100% stable, especially newer introductions. This means that a portion of the plants may revert to single blooms, or show variability in the number of petals from year to year.
What to do: If a plant consistently fails to bloom as a double even after a few years of good care, consider replacing it with a more stable cultivar.
Final Thoughts
Double lilies are worth the extra effort—they add elegance and drama to any garden or bouquet. If yours aren’t blooming fully, don’t despair. With a bit of care, attention, and maybe a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with the lush, ruffled flowers you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’re growing double lilies and troubleshooting your blooms, we’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram with your garden updates!