Daylilies are beautiful, colorful, and hardy perennials that can easily be divided to encourage healthy growth and promote more blooms. Dividing daylilies is a simple process and doing it correctly ensures that your plants continue to thrive. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to divide daylilies in 12 easy steps.

1. Choose the right time: The ideal time for dividing daylilies is either in early spring or late summer/early fall. This gives the plants ample time to re-establish themselves before the winter season.

2. Water the plants: Water the daylilies thoroughly a day or two before you plan to divide them. This ensures that the roots are well-hydrated and less likely to experience shock during the division process.

3. Prepare your tools: You’ll need a spade or garden fork, sharp pruning shears or a garden knife, and gloves for protection.

4. Dig around the plant: Carefully dig around the base of your daylily plant with a garden fork or spade, taking care not to damage the roots. Aim to remove at least six inches of soil around the plant’s circumference.

5. Lift the clump: Gently lift the daylily clump out of the ground with both hands, making sure you don’t break any of the roots.

6. Rinse off excess soil: Carefully rinse away excess soil from the roots using a hose, which will make it easier for you to see individual fans (clusters of leaves) and their root systems.

7. Separate individual fans: Inspect the clump for natural separations between individual fans, and gently pull them apart by hand, or use your garden knife if needed.

8. Prune damaged roots and foliage: Trim away any damaged or rotting roots from each of the divided fans, as well as any dead or yellowing foliage.

9. Prepare new planting holes: Dig holes for planting the divided daylily fans, making sure that they are wider and deeper than the root system of each fan, and spaced according to the variety’s needs—generally 18 to 24 inches apart.

10. Plant the divided fans: Place each fan in its respective hole, spreading the roots out evenly, and fill in the hole with soil, making sure that the crown (the point where the leaves meet the roots) is just below or at ground level.

11. Water thoroughly: Water each of the newly planted daylily divisions generously to help them establish a strong root system and recover from any transplant shock.

12. Care for your re-established daylilies: Continue to water your divided daylilies regularly, and consider applying a layer of mulch around their base to preserve moisture and deter weeds.

By following these 12 simple steps, you can successfully divide your daylilies, giving them the opportunity to grow stronger, healthier, and more vibrant than before.