Choosing a Lily

• For gardeners who wish to transplant their Easter lilies into the garden, is it best to begin with a healthy lily. A healthy plant is more likely to have a well-established root system and respond favorably to pruning and cutting back, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Horticulture Extension. Signs of a healthy lily include deep green, dense foliage and an abundance of buds and blooms.
  
  

Pruning

• As the leaves or blossoms begin to wilt, gently cut them back to the stem. This helps keep the plant healthy and prepares it for transplantation.
  
  

Transplanting

• After Easter, when the lily stops blooming, plant the bulb and stem in the garden. Dig a hole so the top of the bulb sits about 3 inches below the soil. Plant in a sunny location and cover the soil with mulch, which helps keep soil moist and cool.
  
  

Cutting Back

• When the stem begins to die back, cut it to the soil level, recommends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Cover with more mulch to help protect the bulb throughout the winter.