Calla Lily Stages

Planting

• Calla lilies are usually grown from a bulb, or rhizome, that is planted in the spring when the soil has warmed to around 60 degrees F. Colder temperatures will delay the bulb from beginning the stage of developing roots. In containers, the calla lily bulb should be planted 2 inches deep, but planted in the garden, it should be 3 to 4 inches deep. Keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Calla lily bulbs are susceptible to rot if kept in waterlogged soil for long periods.

Growing

• The planted calla lily bulb will develop a substantial root system and begins to show above ground leaf shoots fairly quickly when the soil is warm and you regularly water the area to keep the soil moist. Consistent soil moisture is important in the growth stage of calla lilies. Loose, well-draining soil with organic matter is preferred. A slow-release fertilizer can be spread around the base of the plant after the foliage is established. Organic mulch can also be spread around the plant to help retain soil moisture.

Blooming

• Depending on the amount of sun your planted calla lily receives, the plant will begin to bloom in eight to 16 weeks after planting. Calla lilies can be grown in full sun to partial shade, but the more sun the plant receives in the growing stage, the sooner it will produce flowers. Flowers may be cut from the plant for fresh bouquets and to deadhead the plant for continued blooming. Calla lily plants have a long blooming period when the soil is kept moist and not too hot. After your calla lily plant stops producing flowers, continue to water and leave the foliage on the plant to manufacture food for the bulb below so it can flourish the following year.

Dormancy

• When the foliage has naturally turned to yellow or brown on your calla lily, cut it off the plant at the soil. Calla lily bulbs need to go into a dormancy stage of several months, which means, in warmer climates, you need to discontinue routine watering until spring. In regions that are colder and experience frost and freezing temperatures, dig the calla lily bulb from the ground and store in sand or peat moss in a place that has a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees F. Container-grown calla lilies can be moved indoors during the winter with light watering once a month. When the threat of frost is over in the spring, replant the bulb or return the container outdoors.