Also known as Fortnight Lily · 16 saves
Dietes
Dietes, the genus most gardeners know as fortnight lily. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Dietes varieties
2 species of Dietes
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Dietes in Sow
Save the Dietes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Dietes
Whats common across all Dietes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Dietes year
- DivideOctober100% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor.
- Spring CleanupMarch100% of varieties
Cut back any winter-damaged or brown foliage before new growth starts.
- FertilizeApril67% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Check for PestsJune and July67% of varieties
Check for signs of scale insects or nematodes, especially in sandy soils.
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Divide overcrowded clumps to rejuvenate the plant
- Prune dead or damaged leaves regularly
- Provide deep, infrequent waterings once established to encourage drought tolerance.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't forget to mulch to retain soil moisture
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive foliage
- Don't plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
What goes wrong with Dietes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Nematodes | Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and swollen knots on roots. | Incorporate organic matter like compost to encourage beneficial microbes. Use a nematicide as a last resort. |
| Scale Insects | Small, hard bumps on leaves and stems, often with sticky honeydew. | Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. For heavy infestations, use a systemic insecticide. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Crown Rot | Yellowing, wilting foliage and a rotting plant base, especially in wet conditions. | Improve soil drainage. Remove affected plants and avoid replanting in the same spot. Apply a fungicide drench preventatively. |
Making more Dietes
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Gently separate into smaller sections
- Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seeds
- Collect seeds once pods mature in late summer
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination
- Seedlings typically appear in 4-6 weeks
Dietes questions
How many types of Dietes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Dietes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 16 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Dietes grow in?
Across its varieties, Dietes covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dietes bloom?
Most Dietes varieties bloom in spring to fall, late spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dietes should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.