Growing Calla Lilies

Article: Growing: Calla Lily

EllenB
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 858 Posts

February 14, 2006

Botanical Name:

Zamtedescjoa

Life Cycle:

perennial bulb

Planting Time:

spring to early summer; plant tubers in fall if using as houseplants

Height:

18" to 24"

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Exposure:

full sun to light shade

Soil:

rich, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates areas too moist for other bulbs

Hardiness:

hardy to frost-free zones; bulbs can be dug up and stored over winter in cooler zones

Bloom Time:

late spring

Flower:

variety of colors

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

Seeds, division in early spring, basil cuttings in summer.

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, bouquets and flower arrangements

Growing Hints:

Calla lilies need to be planted deeply for their size. Plant them at a depth of 4 inches, spacing each bulb 12 inches apart. In cooler zones, start bulbs indoors in late winter and transplant them in the spring when danger of frost has passed. Apply a bulb fertilizer monthly during the active growing season. Calla lilies can also be grown as house plants if placed in a sunny window. Most Calla lilies need a rest period after flowering, so gradually withhold water until the leaves die back and let plants rest for 2 to 3 months before resuming watering to encourage new growth.

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Interesting Facts:

Calla lilies are often used in wedding bouquets because their meaning signifies magnificence and beauty.

Why Are My Calla Lilies Blooming in the Fall?

Calla lilies typically bloom from spring through September. If yours are blooming later in the season there may be climatic or microclimatic conditions that have allowed them to bloom later than normal. This is a page about, "Why are my calla lilies blooming in the fall?".

Leaves Dying on a Calla Lily

Yellowing dying leaves on your calla lily can be the result of a lack of nutrients or root rot. This is a page about leaves dying on a calla lily.

Photos of Calla Lilies

The beautiful trumpet shaped flowers of the calla lily provide interest in any garden. This page contains photos of calla lilies.

Overwintering Calla Lilies

Depending on your zone your calla lilies can either be left in the ground over the winter or will need to be dug up, dried out, and kept indoors. This is a page about overwintering calla lilies.

Do Calla Lilies Spread?

If planted in a suitable place in your garden your calla lilies will produce more bulbs. They can become overwhelming if not controlled or thinned out.

Growing Calla Lilies from Pods

The pods that develop as your calla lily blooms fade are in fact seed pods. Callas multiply by reseeding and new bulb development. This is a page about growing calla lilies from pods.

Planting a Calla Lily Outside?

Depending on your planting zone you can grow calla lilies outside in the ground or in pots, which help prevent spread. This is a page about planting a calla lily outside.