When can I divide daylilies?

Question:

When can I divide daylilies?

Answer:

Daylilies can be divided in early spring (as new growth begins to emerge) or in late summer.  Dig up the entire clump with a spade.  Shake or wash off the soil.  Then carefully pull the clump apart.  Oftentimes, a sharp knife is necessary to divide large, dense clumps.  Each division should have 2 or 3 fans of leaves and a good root system.  When dividing daylilies in late summer, cut the foliage back to a height of 6 to 8 inches. 

Replant the divisions as soon as possible.  When planting, the daylily’s crown (the area where the shoots and roots meet) should be approximately 1 inch below the soil surface.  Water thoroughly.  Divided plants usually don’t bloom well for 1 or 2 years.