Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Magnificent Calla Lilies

2. Where to Plant Your Calla Lilies

Light: Calla Lilies grow in full sun or partial shade. Full sun is best in cool summer areas, but partial shade is preferred in hot summer areas.

Soil: They perform best in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Consistent moisture is essential, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. Choose a sheltered position.

Hardiness: Calla Lilies are winter hardy in hardiness zones 8-10. In cooler climates (zones 3-7), the tubers are planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, and are usually treated as annuals. However, if you want to save your bulbs for next spring, you may dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring. Not sure about your growing zone?  Check here.

Planting Site: Calla Lilies are well-suited for beds and borders, cutting gardens, pots, planters, and containers. They can also be grown indoors and make great houseplants. 

3. When to Plant Your Calla Lilies

• Calla rhizomes should be planted in spring. They may be started indoors as early as a month before the average last frost date (for earlier blooms) or planted directly in the ground after the danger of frost has passed. For early flowering plants at Easter, plant the rhizomes in December.
• If conditions are cool or the soil temperature is cold, delay the planting until the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C).

4. How to Plant Your Calla Lilies

• Dig in well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost, before planting.
• Plant your calla rhizomes 4 in. deep (10 cm) and about 12 in. apart (30 cm).
• Set the calla rhizome with the growing tips facing up. Cover the rhizome with soil and water as needed.
• Mulch to keep down weeds and conserve soil moisture.
• Water well, then continue watering regularly until established and during dry spells.
• After planting, it may take 2 weeks or more for the first shoots to appear. The rhizomes take about 13-16 weeks to start flowering, depending upon the cultivar and planting date.

5. Calla Lily Care

• Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, and do not allow the soil to dry out.
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks until the flowers have faded.
• Remove the flower stems after the blooms have faded. Pull out the entire stem at the base. This will promote new calla lily flowers.
• Regular deadheading encourages your lilies to put all their energy into making flowers rather than seeds.

6. Calla Lily Bouquet

Calla Lilies also make excellent cut flowers and have one of the longest vase lives among cut flowers (up to 2 weeks). They are gorgeous in wedding bouquets and fresh floral arrangements.

If you’d like to pick a flower to put in a vase, remember not to cut it with a knife, as cutting damages both flowers and rhizomes. Instead, carefully pull the flower stem out of the plant. Fully open flowers (with their stamens visible) can be harvested, which should be done in the cool morning or evening.

7. Overwintering – Calla Lilies in the ground

• Most calla lilies are winter hardy in zones 8-10, so the rhizomes can be left right in the ground in these warm climates.
• If you live in a colder area and want to save your rhizomes for next spring, you may dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• As temperatures drop below freezing and the foliage turns brown, cut down the foliage and stems to about 1-2 in. (2-5 cm), and lift the rhizomes for winter storage.
• If you are growing different varieties of lilies, you should label them.
• Wash and dry the tubers. Let them cure for 2-3 days in a warm, dry place at a temperature of 65-75°F (20-25°C). Then place them into a box with barely damp peat moss. Store the box in a dark place at 50-60°F (10-15°C).
• Check the rhizomes during the winter months to make sure they are not too moist or too dry.​

8. Overwintering – Calla Lilies in containers

• Tender calla lilies in patio containers should always be brought indoors. Keep them dry and frost-free.
• Give your calla lily rhizomes a period of dormancy over winter, with little or no water, and ideally in the dark. Too much water may lead the rhizomes to rot.
• Increase the watering in spring once shoots start to appear, but never let them stand in water.

9. How to Propagate Calla Lilies

• By cutting dormant rhizomes in spring: cut the rhizome into several sections, each with a visible bud (this applies to larger bulb-like rhizomes only). Plant these indoors into containers filled with multi-purpose compost. Water sparingly until the shoots emerge. Water regularly until well established before planting outside. You may have to wait a year or so before getting calla lily flowers (until the rhizome is big enough).
• By seed: collect seeds in the fall and store them over winter. Sow in spring, one seed per 7.5cm (3 in.) pot filled with seed compost. Water in, then keep at 70°F (21°C). Seedlings should emerge after a few weeks but do not expect calla lily flowers before two or three years.

10. Problems, Pests, and Diseases

Calla Lilies, while relatively easy to grow, can encounter a few common problems, pests, and diseases. Being aware of these issues and knowing how to address them can help ensure your Calla Lilies stay healthy and vibrant.

Common Problems

• Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering is a common cause of yellowing leaves in Calla Lilies. These plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. Soggy conditions can lead to root rot, which manifests as yellowing or wilting leaves.

• Lack of Blooming: Insufficient light can hinder blooming. Calla Lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. If they are too shaded, they may produce lush foliage but few blooms. Excess nitrogen in the soil, insufficient moisture, inadequate dormancy periods (should last at least 2-3 months), foliage removed too early (preventing the plant from storing enough energy), deficient calla lily rhizomes, and incorrect planting methods could also be responsible for the lack of flowers.

• Frost Damage: Being tender perennials, Calla Lilies are susceptible to frost damage. In colder climates, it’s essential to lift and store the rhizomes over winter to prevent freezing.

Pests

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can attack the leaves, causing them to curl and become distorted. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Spider mites: These tiny pests are hard to see but can cause significant damage, leaving small spots or stippling on leaves. Increasing humidity and using miticides can help control them.

• Slugs and Snails:: These pests are attracted to the lush foliage and can chew large holes in the leaves. Slug and snail baits, as well as natural deterrents like crushed eggshells, can be effective.

Diseases

• Bacterial Soft Rot: This is a common issue where the base of the plant or the rhizome becomes mushy and emits a foul odor. Good cultural practices, such as proper watering and avoiding injury to the plant, are key to prevention.

• Gray mold or botrytis: This fungal disease causes gray mold on flowers, leaves, and stems. It thrives in cool, wet conditions. Reducing humidity and improving air circulation can help, as can fungicidal sprays in severe cases.

• Root rot: Overwatering can lead to fungal infections in the roots, causing them to rot. Ensuring proper drainage and not overwatering are crucial preventative measures.

Prevention and Management

• Good Cultural Practices: The best way to prevent issues is by providing ideal growing conditions. This includes appropriate sunlight, watering, and soil conditions.

• Regular Inspection: Regularly checking your Calla Lilies for signs of pests or diseases is crucial. Early detection often leads to more successful management.

• Cleanliness: Keeping the area around your Calla Lilies clean and free of debris can help minimize the risk of disease.

• Proper Overwintering: In colder zones, properly lifting and storing the rhizomes in a cool, dry place over winter can prevent frost damage and loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do calla lilies come back year after year?

Calla lilies can come back year after year if grown in the right conditions. However, the survival of a calla lily depends on several factors, such as soil quality, water, sunlight, and temperature. 

How long do calla lilies last?

Potted calla lilies can last several weeks to a few months if grown in suitable conditions such as well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and regular watering. Cut calla lilies can last up to two weeks if kept in a vase with fresh water and regularly trimmed and cared for.

Can calla lilies be planted outside?

Calla lilies can be planted outside in the garden. They are versatile plants that can grow well in a variety of settings and can add beauty and elegance to any garden. When planting a calla lily outside, choosing a location that provides partial shade to full sun and has well-drained soil is important. 

Are calla lilies perennials?

Calla lilies are perennials and can continue to produce new growth and blooms year after year under the right growing conditions. In order to thrive and continue blooming, calla lily flowers require well-drained soil, regular watering, and partial shade to full sun. They are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-10, although, in colder climates, they may need to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months to prevent frost damage.

Are calla lilies poisonous to cats?

Calla lily flowers are toxic to cats. The entire plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat when ingested. In severe cases, ingestion of calla lily can lead to difficulty breathing, kidney failure, and even death in cats.