Calla Lilies
Open Links
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. Find out how to plant calla lily bulbs.
Calla Lily Care and Growing Tips
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 the rhizomes 8 cm deep and 30-38 cm apart. Water liberally and feed monthly during the growing season. 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. Hardy in zones 9-11.
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.
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.
