The football lily, also known as Watsonia, is a striking flowering plant with tall spikes of tubular flowers.

Here’s a guide on how to grow football lilies:

Growing Football Lilies:

1. Climate and Location:
   • Football lilies thrive in warm climates but can tolerate a range of conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade.
2. Soil Preparation:
   • Ensure well-draining soil with good organic content. Improve soil drainage by adding compost or organic matter.
3. Planting Time:
   • Plant football lily corms in the spring after the last frost date in your area. This allows them to establish before their blooming season.
4. Corm Planting:
   • Plant football lily corms about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) deep in the soil, spacing them around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart.
   • Place the corms with the pointed end facing upwards.
5. Watering:
   • Water newly planted corms thoroughly to settle the soil. Keep the soil slightly moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging.
6. Temperature and Care:
   • Football lilies prefer warm temperatures. Protect them from frost or extreme cold conditions.
   • Apply mulch around the plants to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
7. Fertilization:
   • Use a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus to encourage flowering. Apply according to the instructions during the growing season.
8. Blooming and Maintenance:
   • Football lilies bloom in late spring to summer, producing tall spikes of colorful tubular flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
9. Post-Blooming Care:
   • After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally. The plant stores energy in the corms for the next growing season.
10. Dividing Corms:
    • Every few years, when the clumps become overcrowded, lift and divide the corms after they’ve finished flowering. Replant the divided corms.

Football lilies can be stunning additions to flower beds, borders, or naturalized areas due to their tall spikes of colorful flowers. With proper care—ensuring well-draining soil, adequate water, sunlight, and attention to post-blooming maintenance—you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of football lilies in your garden during their blooming season.