How to Grow Calla Lilies
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In frost-free areas, grow calla lilies in a moist, sunny to semi-shady location with soil that has been amended with a lot of organic matter. Plant them where mornings are sunny and afternoons offer light shade, especially in hot regions. Plant the rhizomes with the growing points up 8 cm deep and 30-38 cm apart. Water thoroughly after planting and keep evenly moist and feed monthly during the growing season.
When to Plant Calla Lilies
Plant calla lilies outdoors after the soil warms and all danger of frost has passed; in warm climates you can plant in early spring.
Caring for Calla Lilies
Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to keep plants tidy. After the flowers fade, reduce the amount of water. In areas where callas are not hardy, allow the plants to dry out. Dig the rhizomes and store in dry material for the winter. Calla lilies are hardy in zones 9-11.
For containers and calla lily indoor care, use a high-quality potting mix, ensure drainage holes, and keep pots slightly snug to encourage blooming. Provide bright indirect light, evenly moist but not soggy soil, and a monthly balanced fertilizer while in active growth.
In warm climates (zones 9-11) and with proper calla lily winter care, calla lilies are perennial plants and do return each growing season. In colder regions, calla lilies can come back every year if you lift and store the rhizomes and replant them in the spring after frost has passed.
Are calla lilies perennial plants?
Botanically they are tender perennials; they behave as annuals only if left unprotected in freezing conditions.
What is the lifespan of a calla lily?
The rhizomes can live for many years—often decades—when you follow best practices for growing and caring for calla lilies, including good soil, adequate moisture, and overwintering calla lilies correctly.
How long do calla lilies live in the garden?
Individual blooms last several weeks, and the plant can flower for 6-12 weeks in the growing season. With consistent calla lily care for potted varieties and diligent outdoor maintenance, you can expect healthy plants to thrive and return year after year.
Do calla lilies return each growing season?
Yes, provided you care for your calla lilies properly, including lifting in cold zones or protecting rhizomes from frost, they will reliably re-bloom. For indoor pots, a brief rest period after flowering, reduced watering, and then a return to active care completes the cycle of how to grow calla lilies successfully.
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Known botanically as Zantedeschia, calla lilies are a favourite flower in summer gardens and cut-flower bouquets. They grow well in borders, containers or even indoors as a houseplant. They come in many different colors and can be quite the attention getter in your garden or patio. Read this guide to learn how to grow calla lilies successfully in your climate.
How to Plant Calla Lilies: Calla Lily Care and Growing Tips
Where to Grow Calla LiliesIn frost-free areas, grow calla lilies in a moist, sunny to semi-shady location with soil that has been amended with a lot of organic matter. Plant them where mornings are sunny and afternoons offer light shade, especially in hot regions. Plant the rhizomes with the growing points up 8 cm deep and 30-38 cm apart. Water thoroughly after planting and keep evenly moist and feed monthly during the growing season.
When to Plant Calla Lilies
Plant calla lilies outdoors after the soil warms and all danger of frost has passed; in warm climates you can plant in early spring.
Caring for Calla Lilies
Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to keep plants tidy. After the flowers fade, reduce the amount of water. In areas where callas are not hardy, allow the plants to dry out. Dig the rhizomes and store in dry material for the winter. Calla lilies are hardy in zones 9-11.
For containers and calla lily indoor care, use a high-quality potting mix, ensure drainage holes, and keep pots slightly snug to encourage blooming. Provide bright indirect light, evenly moist but not soggy soil, and a monthly balanced fertilizer while in active growth.
Calla Lily Winter Care
Calla lilies will need to be lifted in the winter or you can just treat them like annuals. If you are familiar with lifting other tender bulbs, you will take the same steps storing calla lilies for winter. You will need to lift them after their leaves start to turn yellow and die back. To dig them up gently lift them with your spade and try not to cut into the rhizome. Lift them out of the ground and shake off all the soil on the rhizome. Calla lily winter care is essential in zones colder than 9; overwintering calla lilies by storing the rhizomes keeps them viable for the next season.
How to Store Calla Lily Bulbs
You can store your calla lilies in a vented cardboard box or a paper bag. Place them in the box and add peat moss, vermiculite or wrap them in newspaper. Store them in a dark cool place around 50°F (10°C). Check to make sure they are not molding throughout the winter. Once spring arrives and no chances of frost, replant them in your desired space. If they have mold or are too soft and wilted, you may need to buy new rhizomes. Breck's offers calla lilies each spring. They will ship in the spring at the right time to plant for your zone. Overwintering calla lilies properly ensures they return; this is a key part of calla lily care and how to care for calla lilies long-term.
Calla Lily FAQs
Do calla lily flowers come back every year?In warm climates (zones 9-11) and with proper calla lily winter care, calla lilies are perennial plants and do return each growing season. In colder regions, calla lilies can come back every year if you lift and store the rhizomes and replant them in the spring after frost has passed.
Are calla lilies perennial plants?
Botanically they are tender perennials; they behave as annuals only if left unprotected in freezing conditions.
What is the lifespan of a calla lily?
The rhizomes can live for many years—often decades—when you follow best practices for growing and caring for calla lilies, including good soil, adequate moisture, and overwintering calla lilies correctly.
How long do calla lilies live in the garden?
Individual blooms last several weeks, and the plant can flower for 6-12 weeks in the growing season. With consistent calla lily care for potted varieties and diligent outdoor maintenance, you can expect healthy plants to thrive and return year after year.
Do calla lilies return each growing season?
Yes, provided you care for your calla lilies properly, including lifting in cold zones or protecting rhizomes from frost, they will reliably re-bloom. For indoor pots, a brief rest period after flowering, reduced watering, and then a return to active care completes the cycle of how to grow calla lilies successfully.
Tips and Growing Instructions:    Begonias Back to Index Tips and Growing Instructions:
   Crocus
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