How to Grow Toad Lily

Tricyrtis Germination Information

Tricyrtis is the botanical name for Toad Lily
Tricyrtis Seed Germination How to Sow Tricyrtis:
  • Best sown indoors at 55-65° with NO cover as light aids in germination
  • Seed germination will be erratic and will occur over 30-50 days
  • It is not recommended to sow seeds outdoors

How to Grow Tricyrtis:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space 1 foot apart in full to part shade

Soil: Site in acidic, rich, moist, woodland-type, well-drained soil

Additional Care: Divide the rhizomatous plants in the early spring when they are still dormant. Feed in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Seedlings grow very slowly

Appearance and Use:

The following are perennials for shady borders and naturalized situations. The 11/4 inch, smooth-textured, funnel-shaped flowers of both species appear in late summer through fall; the flowers of T. formosana last a few weeks longer but may be slightly smaller. Tricyrtis formosana grows 1-2 feet tall by 2 feet wide, has glossy, dark green leaves, and its flowers are white to pinkish with prominent crimson spots and a yellow eye. Hardy from Zones 4-9. Tricyrtis hirta grows larger, from 2-3 feet tall by 2 feet wide, has hairy, pale green leaves, and its flowers are white or lavender with prominent purple spots and are without a center eye


About Tricyrtis:
Pronunciation:  tri-ser’tis
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Liliaceae; T. formosa is native to Taiwan, T. hirta is native to Japan
Common Name: Toad Lily