Nancy's Daylily Pages
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Dividing a Clump
Dividing large clumps
It is easiest to do this while the plant is still in the ground. Using a sharp spade, divide the clump into as many pieces as you want (pie shapes seem to be the easiest). Then dig the pieces out from the outside edge. I know that many gardening books tell you to dig the clump and divide it with 2 garden forks placed back to back. Unless you have incredible upper body strength, this is, at least for me, an exercise in futility.
It is easiest to do this while the plant is still in the ground. Using a sharp spade, divide the clump into as many pieces as you want (pie shapes seem to be the easiest). Then dig the pieces out from the outside edge. I know that many gardening books tell you to dig the clump and divide it with 2 garden forks placed back to back. Unless you have incredible upper body strength, this is, at least for me, an exercise in futility.
Dividing to get as many undamaged fans or small clumps as possible
1 - Haul it out of the ground and shake off as much dirt as possible - feel free to lift and drop the clump until as much dirt as possible is gone.
2 - Cut back the foliage to about 8", then use a spray nozzle to remove more dirt - don't worry about damaging the roots
3 - Rake out the roots and clean dirt from around the crown. Then inspect the clump and find what looks like a natural division between two fans.
4 - Insert a large screwdriver or knife (I use a 10" boning knife) into that spot and give it a sharp twist. You should hear it crack.
5a - Grab the roots, near the crown on either side of where you inserted the knife and start to wiggle it apart. If it doesn't come apart easily you may have to insert the knife somewhere else.
5b - If it doesn't come apart right away, don't panic. You can just slice down between the fans, then pull the clump apart
6 - Continue with this method until you have as many pieces as you want.
Trim the foliage back to about 4". Trim back the roots to about 3-4", since the plant will make new roots once planted.
Trim the foliage back to about 4". Trim back the roots to about 3-4", since the plant will make new roots once planted.
A Single fan ready to plant
