What Times Are Calla Lilies Available?

Purchasing Calla Lilies for Weddings

• The white calla lily, a favorite with brides, is available during any season. However, they should be ordered well before the ceremony and delivered at least two or three days ahead so that they can rest and hydrate. Some growers require that orders be entered no less than two or three weeks before the anticipated shipment date. Many American florists grow these flowers in South America, New Zealand, Holland, and Africa, as well as in the United States.

Growing Calla Lily Tubers (Bulbs)

• Callas are easy to grow in pots or the garden. Although calla lilies are sometimes considered spring bulbs, in some climates, such as the tropics or in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 8 to 10, calla lilies can thrive outdoors year-round. The rhizomes can be planted at any time that the ground stays at 55 degrees or above. They prefer bright morning light and late afternoon shade, especially in hot-summer areas. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet apart in the garden and one or two bulbs per 6-inch pot. Keep the soil moist and well-nourished.

Growing Callas for a Wedding

• Planting and growing callas for a wedding or other event is becoming increasingly popular. Homegrown callas make a very special bouquet or boutonniere. They will take about two years from bulb to mature flower, so start them early. To control temperature and light grow them from tubers in pots indoors. Callas do well as indoor plants, but they need plenty of light so place the pots in the sunniest window, and away from air-conditioning vents or heaters. Plant no more than one or two bulbs per pot and repot into the next largest size when they outgrow a pot.

Growing Callas from Seed

• Grown from seed, calla lilies usually take up to three years from seed to mature plant. Start the germination by laying the seeds between wet paper towels for two days. Plant them in a pot and keep the soil moist until they sprout. Then they can be planted outside, if desired. When mature, the flowers will produce seeds that can then be planted.