When to Plant Your Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
By the Greg Editorial Team
Jul 20, 2024•5 min read
This article was created with the help of AI so we can cover more plants for you. May contain errors. See one? Report it here.
Flourish your Peace Lily's elegance π± by nailing the ideal planting time with our state-by-state guide!
- π± Plant after last frost date to protect Peace Lilies from cold.
- π‘οΈ Aim for 65Β°F to 80Β°F soil for optimal growth.
- π Use state-specific month-by-month guide for best planting times.
Key Planting Factors
βοΈ Frost Date Considerations
Peace Lilies are sensitive to cold, and frost can be a death sentence. To avoid this:
- Plant after the last frost date in your region to ensure a safe start.
- Monitor local frost advisories as part of your planting calendar.
π‘οΈ Soil Temperature for Peace Lilies
Soil temperature greatly impacts Peace Lily growth. Aim for the sweet spot:
- The ideal range is between 65Β°F and 80Β°F.
- Use a soil thermometer to check conditions before planting.
π Day Length Impact
Day length signals Peace Lilies to grow or rest. Keep this in mind:
- Longer days encourage growth, making late spring to summer ideal for planting.
- Shorter days in fall and winter signal a natural rest period for the plant.
Regional Planting Guides
π΄ Southeast: Florida
Florida's warm climate allows for a flexible Peace Lily planting calendar.
- Plant outdoors in shady spots after the last frost, typically from March to early April.
- For container planting, any time is suitable as long as frost is not expected.
π West Coast: California
California's varied climate zones influence Peace Lily planting times.
- Coastal areas: Plant year-round due to mild temperatures.
- Inland regions: Wait until after the last frost, usually late March through April.
π΅ Southwest: Texas
Texas's size means planting times can vary.
- Northern areas: Plant in April after the last frost.
- Southern Texas: Planting can occur as early as late February or March.
π½ Northeast: New York
New York's colder climate narrows the planting window for Peace Lilies.
- Plant outdoors in late May or early June when the soil has warmed.
- Indoor planting can begin earlier, around mid to late March.
π Mountain: Colorado
Colorado's elevation and cooler temperatures require careful timing.
- Plant Peace Lilies outdoors in late May to early June.
- Indoor planting should start in April to ensure warm enough soil temperatures upon transplant.
π½ Midwest: Ohio
Ohio's moderate climate allows for a typical planting season.
- Plant outdoors after the last frost, usually in mid to late April.
- Indoor seed starting should begin in late February to early March for optimal growth.
Seed Starting vs Direct Sowing
π± Indoor Seed Starting
Peace Lilies are tropical plants that thrive in warm conditions, making indoor seed starting a great option for many regions. Here's when to start your Peace Lily seeds indoors:
- Tropical/Sub-tropical regions (e.g., Florida, Texas): Year-round, as outdoor conditions are suitable.
- Temperate regions (e.g., California, New York): Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost to ensure they are strong enough to transplant outdoors.
- Cold regions (e.g., Colorado, Ohio): Begin even earlier, up to 10-12 weeks before the last frost, due to a shorter growing season.
For successful germination:
- Use a soil-less planting mix to prevent damping off, a common seedling disease.
- Maintain a consistent temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Provide bright, filtered light or use grow lights for 10-12 hours per day.
- Keep the soil as moist as a well-wrung sponge, using a humidity dome if available.
πΏ Direct Sowing Timing
Direct sowing Peace Lilies outdoors is typically not recommended due to their preference for stable, warm conditions. However, if you reside in a tropical or sub-tropical climate where frost is not a concern, you can consider direct sowing. Always ensure the soil temperature is consistently warm and there is no risk of a sudden cold snap that could damage the seeds.
Planting Calendar Summary
π Month-by-Month Guide
Peace Lilies thrive when planted at the right time. Here's a quick reference for the best planting times across the states:
- Florida:
- Indoor Seed Starting: January - February
- Direct Sowing: March - April
- California:
- Indoor Seed Starting: February - March
- Direct Sowing: April - May
- Texas:
- Indoor Seed Starting: February - March
- Direct Sowing: March - April
- New York:
- Indoor Seed Starting: March - April
- Direct Sowing: May - June
- Colorado:
- Indoor Seed Starting: March - April
- Direct Sowing: May - June
- Ohio:
- Indoor Seed Starting: March - April
- Direct Sowing: April - May
These times account for each state's climate, frost dates, and growing season. Always check local frost dates and adjust your planting schedule accordingly.
Appendix
π State-by-State Planting Calendar
Peace Lilies, with their elegant white bracts and lush foliage, thrive when planted at the right time. Here's your go-to guide for when to plant Peace Lilies in each US state.
- Alabama: March-April
- Alaska: May-June
- Arizona: March-April
- Arkansas: March-April
- California: February-March
- Colorado: May-June
- Connecticut: April-May
- Delaware: April-May
- Florida: February-March
- Georgia: March-April
- Hawaii: Anytime
- Idaho: May-June
- Illinois: April-May
- Indiana: April-May
- Iowa: April-May
- Kansas: April-May
- Kentucky: March-April
- Louisiana: March-April
- Maine: May-June
- Maryland: April-May
- Massachusetts: April-May
- Michigan: May-June
- Minnesota: May-June
- Mississippi: March-April
- Missouri: April-May
- Montana: May-June
- Nebraska: April-May
- Nevada: March-April
- New Hampshire: May-June
- New Jersey: April-May
- New Mexico: April-May
- New York: May-June
- North Carolina: March-April
- North Dakota: May-June
- Ohio: April-May
- Oklahoma: March-April
- Oregon: March-April
- Pennsylvania: April-May
- Rhode Island: April-May
- South Carolina: March-April
- South Dakota: May-June
- Tennessee: March-April
- Texas: March-April
- Utah: May-June
- Vermont: May-June
- Virginia: April-May
- Washington: March-April
- West Virginia: April-May
- Wisconsin: May-June
- Wyoming: May-June
Remember, these are general guidelines. Always consider your local microclimate and weather patterns. For the most accurate planting times, check with your local extension office or experienced gardeners in your area. Happy planting!
β οΈ Safety First
This content is for general information and may contain errors, omissions, or outdated details. It is not medical, veterinary advice, or an endorsement of therapeutic claims.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant as food, medicine, or supplement.
Never eat any plant (or feed one to pets) without confirming its identity with at least two trusted sources.
If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Control (800) 222-1222, the Pet Poison Helpline (800) 213-6680, or your local emergency service immediately.
Spotted an error? Please report it here.